Train dispatching keeps WNY&P on track

Keeping WNY&P Moving

Train dispatching isn’t the primary engine for the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad Corporation (WNY&P), but its absence can immediately shut down any one of the company’s train lines. Train dispatching delivers the necessary communications and track warrants that allow trains to move safely from point to point and is required by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Addressing a “constant worry”

Finding and keeping well-trained dispatchers, however, can be a constant battle for railroad lines in today’s world of staffing shortages, a problem that is escalating. Ten years ago, WNY&P decided to outsource its dispatching to Siemens Mobility, removing a major source of worry for Kylie McLaughlin, now Assistant Vice President and General Manager for the short-line railroad. “It was a constant worry,” she recalled. “We rarely had backup people because of the staffing issues, causing railroad operations to shut down. Outsourcing dispatch services to a reliable partner helped our companies overcome these challenges,” McLaughlin explained.

“We rarely had backup people because of the staffing issues, causing railroad operations to shut down. Outsourcing dispatch services to a reliable partner helped our companies overcome these challenges."
Kylie McLaughlin, Assistant Vice President and General Manager, WNY&P

Peace of mind through expert dispatching

Train dispatching services from Siemens Mobility help keep North America’s railroads safely on track and on time, in full compliance with each company’s own rule book and FRA regulations. They also provide peace of mind. With outsourced dispatching from Siemens Mobility, WNY&P has not had one day where they had to shut down a line due to a staffing issue. “Having this professional outsourcing service takes away the burden of having to worry about dispatching, not to mention it is also a high-cost savings and a reduction in overhead costs, and offers nationwide access to talent,” McLaughlin said.

Market-leading services

Even during and immediately after the COVID pandemic when many organizations of all types were having staffing issues, Siemens Mobility remained fully staffed, dependable, and responsive, according to McLaughlin. The outsourced services are seamless, even when new dispatchers are added to the team. They quickly know WNY&P rules and Siemens Mobility leaders are on top of new regulations immediately, sending her what she needs before she even asks for it, she added. In addition, experienced dispatchers like those at Siemens Mobility are “beautiful to listen to on the radio – quick, efficient, and very smooth.”

Fail-safe operations

Dispatching for WNY&P is conducted from safe and secure Siemens Mobility operations centers. Siemens Mobility train dispatching service exceeds industry standards by:

• Maintaining emergency backup for all offices, which are equipped with uninterrupted power supply (UPS) that is linked to power generators for seamless operation during power failures

• Activating a comprehensive business resumption plan at a remote facility in case of an emergency evacuation, ensuring minimal interruption to train dispatching services

• Combining highly trained, knowledgeable dispatchers with high-quality software applications and tools to ensure the safety of railroad personnel and equipment

• Recording all conversations, making it easier to meet regulatory requirements and perform regular efficiency testing for the benefit of clients and Siemens Mobility

• Offering satellite communication in remote locations

• Providing environmental monitoring, including weather data, flood watch, and seismic activity monitoring

• Assuring client confidentially by maintaining independence: Siemens Mobility is the only third-party dispatcher in the marketplace and is not affiliated with any class 1 or short-line railroad

“Having this professional outsourcing service takes away the burden of having to worry about dispatching, not to mention it is also a high-cost savings and a reduction in overhead costs, and offers nationwide access to talent.”
Kylie McLaughlin, Assistant Vice President and General Manager, WNY&P

About WNY&P

Since 2001, the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad has served freight customers with short-line service extending across southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania from Hornell, NY to Meadville, PA and Oil City, PA and north and south of Olean, NY. The affiliated Livonia, Avon & Lakeville operates in Livingston and Monroe Counties, south of Rochester, NY. The B&H Rail Corp. serves Steuben County, northwest of Corning, NY.