Rail freight path optimisation

Find unused rail paths quickly to optimise freight operations

PathPlanner’s path search feature allows users to search for paths based on departure and arrival locations, as well as specific dates or date ranges. The train graph display shows all running trains, highlighting conflicts, and providing deconflicting tools to resolve issues. Users can easily confirm train details and submit path requests to Network Rail via PEX files for faster approval.

Path search features:

• Search by location and date – find available paths based on departure and arrival points, with full date flexibility.
• Real-time conflict resolution – identify and resolve path conflicts using built-in deconflicting tools.
• Quick approval – submit path requests to Network Rail for quicker approval using PEX file generation.

Unlock more rail network capacity by creating new paths

PathPlanner’s path stitching feature provides flexibility by allowing users to stitch smaller, known paths together. This capability helps freight operators create new routes from A to B, with options to view paths by distance or minimum duration. The system offers both a card view, which breaks down the components of each stitched path, and a map view, which provides a visual representation of the stitched routes.

Path stitching features:

• Create new paths – stitch smaller paths together to form new, efficient routes.
• Card and map views – view stitched paths either in a detailed card view or visually on an interactive map.
• Distance and duration options – optimise routes based on distance or time to ensure efficient freight movement.

Easily manage train departures and cancel paths to free up capacity

PathPlanner’s train departure probability feature shows services by their likelihood of running, allowing operators to cancel paths quickly with just two clicks. A PEX file is automatically generated and submitted to Network Rail, reducing manual work for planners and freeing up valuable rail network capacity.

Train departure features:

• View departure probability – identify services with low probability of running and take action accordingly.
• Quick path cancellation – free up paths on the network with a simple, two-click cancellation process.
• PEX file generation – automatically create and send PEX files to Network Rail, streamlining the cancellation process.

Get an overview of all running services with a real-time departure board

PathPlanner’s departure board provides freight operators with a complete overview of all services currently running. This feature helps operators review operations quickly and make informed decisions to optimise train scheduling and capacity management.

Departure board features:

• Real-time service overview – view all active services in one place for quick operational review.
• Fast decision-making – use real-time data to optimise freight operations and manage network capacity more effectively.

Easily track the status of bids, including those in preparation, submitted, or expired, in one easy-to-use dashboard.

Our solution also includes the following functionality:

• Summary dashboard – view bid summaries, response times, and services that are unlikely to run.
• Path deconflicting tools – add planned stops, pathing allowances, and offsets to resolve path conflicts and delays.
• Bids dashboard – track the status of bids, including those in preparation, submitted, or expired.
• Custom map and card views – visualise paths using card or map view for more flexible planning.
• Automated PEX file creation – Submit path requests and cancellations to Network Rail for quicker approval and better network management.