Applications and economic justification for on-board locomotive computers

Three applications of onboard locomotive computers are explored: advanced train control systems (ATCS); data management; and train handling and maintenance. Economic benefits of retrofitting the railroads' current fleet of locomotives with onboard computers are examined, as are implications for how the industry makes decisions about such technology. The economic justification for onboard computers is discussed in connection with balancing the costs of implementation against the resulting benefits such as enhanced safety, increased productivity and equipment utilization, improved customer service, and savings on fuel, maintenance, and clerical expenses.<>