Welcome to TranSystems | Automation Associates, Inc.'s monthly Innovations, where we share best practices in simulation engineering through case studies and industry experience. In this month's issue, we focus on how simulation can be used to determine terminal capacity while considering complex operational practices and rail layouts.

Analyzing Rail Switching Terminal Operations with Simulation

The history of rail transport dates back nearly 150 years. Since the 1820s, it served as the first practical form of mechanized transport. With the increase in gas prices, tighter deadlines, and congested freeways, companies are again looking to rail as an alternative.

To gain a competitive market share, Class 1 railroads are looking for ways to accommodate this growth while reducing service times to that of competing transportation alternatives. Over recent years, the Class I railroads have progressively invested in their main line rail infrastructure. Some have prioritized these investments using specialized rail simulations that focus on main line schedule capacity. The capital improvements are focused on areas with the most system delays and traffic levels. Read more.

If you are considering a simulation project, and would like a free consultation to help clarify any of this information, please call us.

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Did you miss last month's edition of AAI's Innovations, that discussed how to Use Traffic Simulation Software to Help Visualize the Future?