Ferromex to use GE digital services to monitor locomotives

Ferrocarril Mexicano S.A. de C.V. (Ferromex) will use digital services to monitor locomotive performance under a new long-term service agreement between the railroad and GE Transportation.

The agreement — which brings digital services to freight rail in Mexico for the first time — provides data on the health status and performance of the railroad's 100 Evolution Series locomotives, according to a blog posted on GE Transportation's website.

The agreement also includes access to GE's "Smart Shopping" suite, which runs more than 200 diagnostics and predictive algorithms to diagnose maintenance needs of a locomotive before it enters the shop.

Historically, railroads haven't been able to address locomotive maintenance issues until the units are in the shop. The new system will enable the railroad to schedule stops more efficiently, according to GE.

The new agreement is an extension of a 20-year relationship between GE and Ferromex, representatives of both companies said in the blog.