Canadian National is the first railway to order a new dispatching system that Wabtec says is a major building block toward network automation, the companies announced on June 6.
The latest version of Wabtec’s Precision Dispatch System is scheduled to be operational at CN in late 2023. CN completed installation of an earlier version of the system on its U.S. territory in February 2020.
Wabtec says the Precision Dispatch System is designed to move trains safely and efficiently in both signaled and dark territory, as well as provide full visibility of network conditions and monitor all devices in the network.
The system analyzes data coming from rolling stock and wayside devices as well as positive train control. With this information, the system automates electronic delivery of mandatory directives in centralized traffic control territory as well as automatic implementation of authorities in dark territory. The system aims to help eliminate human error, reduce maintenance and operating costs, and promote safe and efficient rail operations.
“CN is leading the industry in rail network optimization as the launch customer for the Precision Dispatch System,” said Nalin Jain, president of Wabtec’s Digital Electronics business. “This system is the first-of-its-kind and acts as a command-and-control system at the heart of railroad operations. CN will be able to increase capacity, improve efficiency, and safety across its more than 20,000-mile network.”
After a phased rollout, a total of 37 CN dispatching desks will use the system.
“Our focus is running a safe and efficient railroad, and constantly improving our infrastructure,” said Dominique Malenfant, CN’s chief information and technology officer, who previously was a Wabtec executive. “The Precision Dispatch System represents an important step forward in our network optimization. This solution is designed to enable us to maximize the potential of our rail network and will protect the safety of employees.”
