US Class I Rail Process Wiki Dispatching & Train Movement › Enroute Exception Handling (PTC failure, mechanical, weather)
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RR-02 RR-02-05-02 — Enroute Exception Handling (PTC failure, mechanical, weather)

This process handles enroute exceptions for trains experiencing PTC failures, mechanical issues, or adverse weather conditions on a US Class I freight railroad.

🗺 BPMN Process Flow
RR-02-05-02 BPMN Diagram

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📋 Process Attributes
Process IDRR-02-05-02
Domain FamilyNETWORK & PLANNING
L1 DomainDispatching & Train Movement
L2 Process GroupEnroute Exception Handling (PTC failure, mechanical, weather)
TriggerDetection of a PTC failure, mechanical malfunction, or severe weather condition affecting train movement.
OutcomeSafe and efficient rerouting or resolution of the enroute exception to minimize delays and ensure compliance with regulations.
SystemsNetControl I-ETMS PS Technology
Regulatory Hooks49 CFR Part 232 GCOR 6.28 49 CFR Part 217 49 CFR Part 220
📋 L4 Process Steps
StepNameRoleSystem InputOutputKPIPain Point / Risk Decision?Exception?
1.1 Identify Exception Train Dispatcher NetControl / CADx Real-time train data, sensor alerts Exception report Time to identify exception < 5 minutes Delayed identification can lead to cascading effects on the network. Y N
1.2 Assess Impact Chief Dispatcher NetControl / CADx, I-ETMS Exception report, current train schedule, network status Impact assessment report Time to assess impact < 10 minutes Overlooking the true extent of the issue can lead to inadequate responses. Y N
1.3 Determine Mitigation Strategy Train Dispatcher NetControl / CADx, I-ETMS Impact assessment report Mitigation strategy plan Time to determine strategy < 15 minutes Inadequate mitigation can cause further disruptions. Y N
1.4 Notify Affected Parties Train Dispatcher, Crew Caller / Crew Dispatcher NetControl / CADx, PS Technology Mitigation strategy plan Notification to train crew and affected stations Time to notify all parties < 20 minutes Failure to notify can lead to confusion and unsafe operations. N Y
1.5 Execute Mitigation Strategy Train Dispatcher, Yardmaster, Switchman/Switch Foreman NetControl / CADx, I-ETMS Mitigation strategy plan Updated train schedule and status Time to execute mitigation < 30 minutes Poor execution can exacerbate the problem. Y N
1.6 Monitor and Adjust Train Dispatcher, Control Operator NetControl / CADx, I-ETMS Real-time train data, sensor alerts Adjustments to mitigation strategy if necessary Continuous monitoring throughout the process Lack of continuous monitoring can lead to unresolved issues. Y N
1.7 Verify Resolution Train Dispatcher, Control Operator NetControl / CADx, I-ETMS Real-time train data, sensor alerts Resolution verification report Time to verify resolution < 5 minutes Failure to verify can result in lingering issues. Y N
1.8 Document Incident Train Dispatcher, Control Operator NetControl / CADx, I-ETMS Resolution verification report Incident documentation Time to document incident < 10 minutes Incomplete documentation can lead to future incidents. N Y
1.9 Review and Improve VP Network Planning & Operations, Service Design / Network Planning Analyst NetControl (service design use), I-ETMS Incident documentation Process improvement recommendations Time to review and improve < 2 weeks Lack of process improvement can lead to recurring issues. Y N
1.10 Implement Improvements VP Network Planning & Operations, Service Design / Network Planning Analyst NetControl (service design use), I-ETMS Process improvement recommendations Updated process and procedures Time to implement improvements < 4 weeks Delayed implementation can result in continued inefficiencies. N Y
1.11 Conduct Post-Incident Review Train Dispatcher, Control Operator NetControl / CADx, I-ETMS Incident documentation, process improvement recommendations Post-incident review report Time to conduct post-incident review < 1 week Inadequate review can lead to missed opportunities for learning. Y N
1.12 Update Training Materials Train Dispatcher, Control Operator NetControl / CADx, I-ETMS Post-incident review report Updated training materials and procedures Time to update training materials < 2 weeks Outdated training can lead to future incidents. N Y
📊 KPIs & Risk Register

KPIs

Time to identify exception < 5 minutes Time to assess impact < 10 minutes Time to determine strategy < 15 minutes Time to notify all parties < 20 minutes Time to execute mitigation < 30 minutes Continuous monitoring throughout the process Time to verify resolution < 5 minutes Time to document incident < 10 minutes Time to review and improve < 2 weeks Time to implement improvements < 4 weeks Time to conduct post-incident review < 1 week Time to update training materials < 2 weeks

Key Risks

Air brake test defect released to the road Inadequate communication leading to unsafe operations Failure to execute mitigation strategy effectively Lack of continuous monitoring during the process Delayed implementation of process improvements

Swim Lanes

Train Dispatcher · 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 Chief Dispatcher · 1.2 Yardmaster · 1.5 Switchman/Switch Foreman · 1.5 VP Network Planning & Operations, Service Design / Network Planning Analyst · 1.9, 1.10
Independently compiled from public sources. Not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Union Pacific or any other railroad. Illustrative of US Class I practice; every system, regulation, role and metric named here traces to a sourced entry in registries/.