Kansas City Southern ready to launch pilot of GE's Trip Optimizer

Kansas City Southern will launch on May 4 a pilot of GE Transportation's Trip Optimizer, the Class I announced late last week. The pilot is scheduled to end June 26.

KCS was determined ready for the pilot following evaluations by GE. Additionally, the Class I's road foreman of engines has completed training for new technology, according to KCS.

The technology, which works like a cruise control function for locomotives, is designed to improve fuel usage by calculating the most efficient operation based on train length, weight, weather and other factors, according to GE.

In an item on the "KCS News" web page released April 24, railroad officials said such technology "cuts emissions to reduce the company's carbon footprint and save on the cost of fuel."

CSX Transportation and CN have begun using Trip Optimizer technology, as well.

To learn more about railroads' fuel management strategies, read this article in the April issue of Progressive Railroading.