http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/09/13-computer-runs-train-at-test-track-nyab-announces
5 replies (most recent on top)
Keep reading the foamer magazines and go to some union meetings
I didn't even read the article but I can tell you there is a group at HQ specifically working on autonomous trains. At a party a few months back, I asked roughly how long until this was ready to be implemented and was told roughly 10 years, give or take a couple. PTC and remote authority will supposedly allow 16 dispatching positions to be eliminated (4.5 dispatchers per desk) which the majority can be done through attrition most likely. Enhanced technology will undoubtedly allow UP to recoup at least some of the investment PTC required. I will say that UP is ahead of most, if not all, when it comes to these advancements.
As for mechancal department all their jobs will be contracted out, but most likey the same personnel will be doing the same job due to educational background or geographical location but for a cheaper price and worst insurance if any. With less personnel its much easier to contract out. They would yet again save millions in compensation, insurance savings, as well as Liability.....
Its just a matter of time, Good luck to everyone.
As a furloughed employee let me give the conductors and engineers some insight. PTC by itself does not really do much other than fuel savings..... But 70ace locomotives with PTC and Leader can run autonomously without an engineer or a conductor. The GE's are similar. They can be ran autonomously with PTC integrated with Trip Optimizer. Now they still need someone to tie down the train so they will still need at least 1 person. At least until they have automated hand brakes on the rail cars with proximity sensors for backing up. They will save millions in compensation and in medical... if i was an engineer or conductor id be looking for other means of revenue as a fall back....
Sounds like the engineers and conductors are.