Tool for Planning and Monitoring Railroad Traffic Supports Visualization of Railroad Operations

摘要

The Railroad Traffic Planner application is a visualization tool with stringline diagrams that show train positions over time. In addition to supporting scheduling, the Railroad Traffic Planner provides near real time traffic position information when associated global positioning system (GPS) tracking devices have been installed. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Human Factors Research and Development Program sponsored the development of the Railroad Traffic Planner to evaluate the potential for this type of visualization tool to improve safety and productivity in the railroad industry. FRA also sponsored technology transfer efforts to bring this prototype tool to additional railroads and other interested parties in the railroad industry. Many potential benefits of stringline tools were identified. For example, this type of display can be helpful for defining, evaluating, and communicating potential schedule changes. It can also enhance training for planners and dispatchers. Additionally, the GPS tracking information can help railroads better monitor locomotive speeds and the movement of hazardous materials, improve arrival time estimates for customers, and predict crew change and equipment arrival times.