Rail Network Optimization

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Rail Network Optimization Smart Solution for Mainline & Yard Operations

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October 1, 2015



• Serving 75% of US population and all major Eastern Seaports

• Networks reach 65% of US manufacturing and 55% of

US energy consumption

• Volume composition: 17% coal, 33% industrial &

others, 50% intermodal


Train Dispatching


• Train movements governed by signals,

similar to cars governed by traffic lights

• Much of our network is bi-directional

single track with meet/pass sidings

Overview Challenges

• Competing demands for track resources

• Limited routing options, few optimal solutions

• Difficult to anticipate downstream effect of

decisions


The Unified Train Control System (UTCS)


• Network-wide view and decision making

• Prioritization & Optimization of key Business

Objective Functions

• Improved Routing decisions

• Automated Dispatch execution

Addressing operational challenges & delivering real performance

PDS Dispatch and Movement Planner from GE

• Seamless integration between planning and dispatch functions

• Real-time situation awareness of network conditions

• Closed-loop plan execution


UTCS System & Performance at NS


Results from recent Georgia Division study…

Cutover Dates

GA Mar 2012

CE Nov 2012

AL Feb 2013

IL Jul 2013

DB Aug 2013

LK Mar 2014

PD May 2014

VA Jul 2014

HB Sep 2014

PO Nov 2014

PT Jan 2015

KPI AR% ≥ 70 AR% ≥ 80

Velocity 20.8 mph 8.3% Increase 21.2 mph 10.4% Increase

Expired Crew % 2.4% 50% + Reduction 1.9% 63% Reduction

Schedule Adherence

4 min Early 108 min shift from Late to Early

8 min Early 112 min shift from Late to Early


Yard Planner


• Building on Movement Planner & PDS Dispatch success to tackle the next Network Challenge

• Classification yard optimization is at the heart of every rail operation. Manual planning leads to

inefficiencies in yard operations.

• Yard Planner provides for real-time planning & optimization of a classification yard. It helps train

masters and yardmasters visualize, plan and make optimal decisions.


What is happening in my yard?


Current State

• View current yard inventory and capacity

• Determine classification tracks cleanliness

• Dynamically updated to provide real-time data


What do I need to do?


Plan

• Smart algorithm considers train schedules, arrivals, departures, & connections

• Displayed via yard crew task list

• Each yard plan individually configurable


What performance can I achieve?


Metrics

• Predicts future capacity using trip plans

• Calculates future resource usages

• Allows for proactive decision making


Anticipated Results


System Integration Operational Improvements

• Improved car connection - 10%+

• Reduced car dwell - 5%+

• Reduced re-hump rate - 10%+

• YP becomes center of planning systems sharing data w/other systems

• Integration with MP … end-to-end network planning & opt.


Lessons Learned


Business Relationship People Process

Buyer/Vendor

Development Partners

Multiple teams with different

goals and priorities

One team across business and

functions

Waterfall, big bang

Agile, Iterative approach


Visualize the yard of the future


General Electric Company reserves the right to make changes in specifications and features, or discontinue the product or service described at any time, without notice or obligation. These materials do not constitute a representation, warranty or documentation regarding the product or service featured. Illustrations are provided for informational purposes, and your configuration may differ. This information does not constitute

legal, financial, coding, or regulatory advice in connection with your use of the product or service. Please consult your pro fessional advisors for any such advice. No part of this document may be distributed, reproduced or posted without the express written permission of General Electric Company. GE, Predix and the GE Monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company. ©2015 General Electric Company – All rights

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Rail Network Optimization