(NYSE:GE) GE Transportation continues to drive the digital transformation of rail with an agreement with Rumo, one of the largest rail-based logistics operators in Latin America. Through the agreement, GE Transportation will implement Trip Optimizer on Rumo’s locomotive fleet that runs on the North and São Paulo Lines across ~2,000 km of track. Operation is scheduled to start in 2018.

Trip Optimizer is a software-based energy management system that ingests data about a train’s route and load, and then automatically drives the train in the most fuel-efficient manner. The solution has helped GE Transportation’s customers save over 145 million gallons of diesel fuel.

"We’re proud to partner with Rumo to improve the efficiency of rail in Brazil,” said Danilo Miyasato, Commercial Director of GE Transportation for Latin America. “The installation of Trip Optimizer is an important first step in transitioning from manual trains to fully automated ones. It will not only increase rail productivity, but also radically change logistics for the better.”

Trip Optimizer runs on GoLINC™, GE Transportation's on-board computing platform, which turns a locomotive into a mobile data center and enables the implementation of GE’s full suite of digital solutions. To optimize outcomes, Trip Optimizer’s algorithms develop a customized plan to work with each train’s specific rail route. This produces significant benefits, including optimizing operations and improving train handling and fuel economy, which is the largest expense for railroads. During each journey, Trip Optimizer syncs with the other systems on board the locomotive so it can consider and adapt to potential changes that could impact the route, enabling the train to consistently arrive on time while using the least amount of fuel possible.

In addition to the installation of Trip Optimizer, Rumo and GE are exploring other digital solutions that can be utilized to meet the company’s specific business goals, such as reducing operating costs.

“Our work with Rumo is truly a partnership. We have a collaborative, consultative relationship, which involves dedication from both parties,” explains Marcos Costa, president and CEO of GE Transportation for Latin America. “By working side-by-side with our customers, we’re able to drive the best outcomes possible.”

“This project represents an important evolution for Rumo,” said Roberto Rubio Potzmann, Technology Director of Rumo. “When integrated with our global technology strategy, it will bring considerable precision in the movement of freight, generating greater efficiency for our operation. Beyond that, the benefits of reducing fuel consumption extend beyond our own operations to the broader society as well.”

Rumo is the third major railroad in Brazil to select Trip Optimizer, making it the preferred solution for energy management in Brazilian rail.

About GE Transportation

At GE Transportation, we are in the business of realizing potential. We are a global technology leader and supplier of equipment, services and solutions to the rail, mining, marine, stationary power and drilling industries. Our innovations help customers deliver goods and services with greater speed and savings using our advanced manufacturing techniques and connected machines. Our digital solutions, which provide data-driven insights to improve efficiency, leverage Predix – GE’s platform for the Industrial Internet. Established more than a century ago, GE Transportation is a division of the General Electric Company that began as a pioneer in passenger and freight locomotives. That innovative spirit still drives GE Transportation today and is strengthened by our ability to serve customers more holistically through the GE Store – a global exchange of knowledge, technology and tools across all GE businesses that ultimately provides better outcomes for customers. GE Transportation is headquartered in Chicago, IL, and employs approximately 10,000 employees worldwide.