TRACS: ON-LINE TRACK ASSIGNMENT COMPUTER SYSTEM

Track Assignment Computer System (TRACS) is a yard computer system for dynamically assigning blocks to classification tracks with the dual objectives of maximizing use of classification tracks and minimizing trim-engine effort. To quantify the benefits of using the procedures and program logic, operational data were obtained for 6 days from Southern Pacific's Roseville Yard to simulate the use of TRACS in yard operations. The results from the simulation were compared with actual operations in the yard on those days. The results indicate that use of TRACS would have permitted classification of about 200 more cars per day because 200 fewer cars would have required rehumping. With fewer cars to be rehumped, the average car detention time would have been reduced by about 5 hr. Roseville Yard at the time data were collected was not at capacity and had substantial rehump traffic. The results at other yards could therefore be different. Nevertheless, the results of the TRACS simulation reported here demonstrate the value of the program.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1983/917/917-005.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=TRACS%3A+ON-LINE+TRACK+ASSIGNMENT+COMPUTER+SYSTEM&author=P.+Wong&author=M.+Hathorne&author=C.+Elliott&author=M.+Hackworth&publication_year=1983
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309035600
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Railroad Operations Management. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Wong, Peter J
  • Hathorne, Marilyn R
  • Elliott, Carola V
  • Hackworth, Mary Ann
• Publication Date: 1983

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 26-29
• Monograph Title: Rail freight
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 917
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Classification yards; Computers; Railroad cars; Railroad tracks; Railroad yards; Simulation; Traffic assignment
• Old TRIS Terms: On line computers
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00381863
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309035600
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Apr 30 1984 12:00AM