Wabtec’s Trip OptimizerTM Surpasses 1 Billion Miles Significantly Reducing the Rail Industry’s Fuel Consumption and Emissions

Rhea-AI Summary

Wabtec's Trip Optimizer software for trains has reached a significant milestone, saving 752 million gallons of fuel and reducing 7.7 million tons of emissions. The system has been used for over 1 billion auto miles by 12,000 locomotives worldwide, leading to a 10% reduction in emissions and significant cost savings for railroads.

Positive

• Trip Optimizer has saved approximately 752 million gallons of diesel fuel, enough to power almost 900,000 homes for a year.
• The system has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 7.7 million tons, equivalent to removing emissions from approximately 1.7 million cars for a year.
• Wabtec's Trip Optimizer has become an industry standard for railroads to efficiently manage the performance of their trains, resulting in significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.
• The software is EPA certified to reduce emissions by 10 percent by reducing fuel consumption, enabling railroads to shrink their carbon footprint and reduce operating expenses.

Negative

• None.

Environmental Economist

Wabtec's Trip Optimizer system represents a significant advancement in the rail industry's pursuit of environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. The reported savings of 752 million gallons of diesel translate into a substantial economic value, considering the volatility of fuel prices and the pressure on industries to reduce carbon emissions. By avoiding these costs, rail operators can improve their financial performance while also contributing to broader environmental goals.

The reduction of 7.7 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions is a noteworthy contribution to the global effort to mitigate climate change. This achievement aligns with international environmental policies and can enhance the corporate image of rail operators, potentially leading to improved market positioning and stakeholder relations. The system's EPA certification could also serve as a catalyst for regulatory incentives or tax breaks, further benefiting the financial standing of adopters.

Sustainable Technology Analyst

The integration of advanced systems like Trip Optimizer into locomotives is a testament to the rail industry's commitment to leveraging technology for sustainability. The system's ability to optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions by considering multiple operational variables demonstrates the potential of smart systems in heavy industries. As the software undergoes continuous improvement, it signifies an ongoing opportunity for rail operators to enhance their energy management and reduce operational expenses.

Furthermore, the adoption of Trip Optimizer by all North American Class 1 railroads and operators in other key markets indicates a widespread recognition of its benefits. This could encourage further innovation and competition in the sector, leading to the development of even more advanced and efficient technologies.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Wabtec's achievement with Trip Optimizer is likely to influence the competitive dynamics within the rail industry. Operators utilizing this system may gain a competitive edge through reduced operating costs and enhanced environmental credentials. This could shift customer preferences towards companies that prioritize sustainability, potentially increasing market share for those adopting such technologies.

The positive reception and widespread use of Trip Optimizer across continents suggest a growing market for energy-efficient solutions in the rail sector. As such, Wabtec's position as a provider of these solutions may strengthen, potentially impacting its stock valuation and investor interest. Additionally, the system's impact on fuel savings and emissions reduction can serve as a benchmark for other industries seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.

• 752 million gallons of fuel saved
• 7.7 million tons of emissions reductions

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wabtec’s (NYSE: WAB) Trip Optimizer surpassed a major milestone as railroads used the energy-management software to efficiently operate their trains for more than 1 billion auto miles, the equivalent of more than 40,000 trips around the Earth. The 12,000 locomotives worldwide using the Trip Optimizer system accounted for significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions for the rail industry.

"This billion-mile accomplishment is a tribute to our customers and our team of innovators,” said Nalin Jain, president of Wabtec Digital Intelligence. “Trip Optimizer has become an integral locomotive operating system and an industry standard for railroads to efficiently manage the performance of their trains. It is building upon the rail industry’s leadership as the most efficient mode of transporting goods by enabling railroads to significantly cut down on unnecessary fuel consumption, minimize emissions, and optimize their travel routes.”

Trip Optimizer is a smart cruise control system for trains that considers terrain, train make-up, speed restrictions, and operating conditions to calculate an optimum speed profile. The software automatically controls locomotive throttle and dynamic brakes to reduce fuel burn and provide efficient train handling. To date, the fleet of locomotives installed with Trip Optimizer saved approximately 752 million gallons of diesel, enough fuel to generate nearly 10 billion kilowatt hours of electricity or power almost 900,000 homes for a year. Trip Optimizer also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 7.7 million tons. That is the equivalent of removing emissions from approximately 1.7 million cars for a year.

“Trip Optimizer is delivering meaningful returns for our customers,” said Jain. “The system is EPA certified to reduce emissions by 10 percent by reducing fuel consumption enabling railroads to shrink their carbon footprint and reduce operating expenses. We are dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions, and pioneering innovations that leave a lasting, positive impact both operationally and environmentally for our customers.”

The development of Trip Optimizer is an ongoing process, involving continuous improvement and iteration based on feedback, operational insights, and technological advances. Wabtec regularly seeks feedback on Trip Optimizer and makes updates based on that information to incorporate the latest advancements in energy-efficient train operations. Solutions like Independent Control of LOCOTROL Distributed Power, Trip Optimizer SmartHPT, and Air Brake Control add to Wabtec’s comprehensive suite of offerings for even greater energy-management opportunities.

Wabtec launched the Trip Optimizer system in 2009. There are 12,000 locomotives using Trip Optimizer with 23 customers on five continents, including all North American Class 1 railroads and rail operators in key markets like Brazil and Australia.

About Wabtec

Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) is revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations. The company is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries, as well as the mining, marine and industrial markets. Wabtec has been a leader in the rail industry for over 150 years and has a vision to achieve a zero-emission rail system in the U.S. and worldwide. Visit Wabtec's website at www.wabteccorp.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240117611238/en/

Media Contacts:

Tim Bader

Tim.Bader@Wabtec.com or +1 682-319-7925



Wabtec Investor Contact:

Kristine Kubacki, CFA

kristine.kubacki@wabtec.com or +1 412-450-2033

Source: Wabtec Corporation

FAQ

How many locomotives are using Wabtec's Trip Optimizer?

12,000 locomotives worldwide are currently using Wabtec's Trip Optimizer.

How much fuel has Trip Optimizer saved?

Trip Optimizer has saved approximately 752 million gallons of diesel fuel.

What is the equivalent of the emissions reduction achieved by Trip Optimizer?

The software has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 7.7 million tons, equivalent to removing emissions from approximately 1.7 million cars for a year.

What is the impact of Trip Optimizer on emissions reduction?

The system is EPA certified to reduce emissions by 10 percent by reducing fuel consumption, shrinking railroads' carbon footprint and operating expenses.

When was the Trip Optimizer system launched?

Wabtec launched the Trip Optimizer system in 2009.

How many customers are using Trip Optimizer?

There are 23 customers on five continents, including all North American Class 1 railroads and rail operators in key markets like Brazil and Australia.