MOVEMENT PLANNER

Unlocking capacity from existing infrastructure — through intelligent planning, live-run optimization, and real-time conflict resolution.

How the System Works

Capacity Is Lost in
Train Sequencing

The most expensive capacity constraint in rail is not track geometry or fleet size — it is unoptimized train sequencing. When crossings are planned manually, on paper, one train at a time, the result is a network running well below its installed capacity.

From Static Planning to Real-Time Optimization

ART’s Movement Planner replaces the paper train graph with a time-space optimization engine that simultaneously plans the best crossing sequence for all trains in the network. At the operational level, the algorithm continuously re-plans ahead in real time — reacting to deviations, disruptions, and priority changes before they cascade into network-wide delays.

One System Across All Planning Horizons

The system operates across three planning horizons: strategic (capacity simulation and investment analysis), tactical (timetable optimization and maintenance planning), and operational (live-run crossing control integrated with the Active Train Control System). Plan and execution operate as one connected system.

What It Does

Core Capabilities

Live-run optimization algorithm — minimizes total transit time across all trains

Real-time conflict detection and crossing sequence re-planning

Strategic capacity simulation — models investment alternatives and demand scenarios

Timetable generation with scenario comparison for tactical planning

Train priority classification — mandatory, priority, and regular trains

Speed restriction and temporary interruption management

Overtaking detection for high-priority trains blocked by delayed consists

Planned vs. Actual reporting — structured KPIs for PDCA performance management

Yard arrival forecast — supports shunting and terminal planning

Full integration with Active Train Control

While others simulate, ART optimizes live operations — connecting strategy directly to daily execution.

System Architecture

A modular system that combines optimization, real-time data, and simulation — connecting planning and live operations into a single, continuously updated decision engine.

Optimization engine

combinatorial algorithm with configurable objective function

Time-space graphical interface

vector graphics with independent axis zoom

Real-time update layer

receives live position data from on-board equipment

Scenario simulation module

real-time dispatch operational interface.

Planned vs. Actual reporting engine

tests capacity investment alternatives

Direct interface with Active Train Control

single source of truth

Configurable time horizons

12-hour window (or any operator-defined period).

Plan and execution operate as one system — from the annual timetable to the next crossing sequence, six minutes ahead.

Operational Outcomes

Significant increase in trains per day without new infrastructure investment

Reduced total transit times across the network

Elimination of manual paper graph — faster, more consistent decisions

Better recovery from disruptions — real-time re-planning under variability

Improved yard and terminal planning — advance arrival forecasting

Measurable capacity gains validated through Planned vs. Actual KPIs

Identified investment priorities — simulation of CAPEX alternatives

Capacity gains without CAPEX escalation — more throughput from the infrastructure already in the ground.

How We Deploy

Deployment & Integration

Modular corridor rollout — deployable network by network, phase by phase

Integration with Active Train Control — simultaneous live-run management

Integration with Yard Management System — arrival ETA feeds yard planning

Configurable objective function — optimize for transit time, fuel, crew, or custom KPIs

Rapid operational impact — Network Controllers onboarded with structured training

Scalable adoption model — from a single line to a multi-corridor national network

Rapid value delivery — measurable gains within months
of go-live, not years.

Why ART

Generic traffic management tools show controllers what is happening. ART’s Movement Planner tells them what to do next — and does it automatically.

The optimization engine does not just react to problems. It plans ahead, considers all trains simultaneously, and produces the globally optimal crossing sequence — not the locally convenient one.

That distinction is the difference between a network running at 60% of capacity and one running at 90%.