VTG Implements Automatic Brake Testing System from PJM

Europe’s leading private wagon rental company VTG will soon offer the automatic brake testing system from PJ Monitoring GmbH (PJM) as a project-related equipment option. VTG is thus consistently continuing its digitalization strategy to achieve further efficiency gains in the handling of freight trains.

(Hamburg/Graz) The automatic brake test is an important factor in the preparation of freight trains, as the inspection of brakes is mandatory as soon as wagons are detached or the train has been stationary for more than 24 hours. Accordingly, the potential for savings for railway companies in this complex process is significant, both in terms of human labor and costs.

With the automated system, the efficiency gain is enormous: For a 500 m long freight train, the manual inspection of brakes takes about 40 minutes and requires two employees. In contrast, the automatic brake test can typically be performed by just one person in less than 5 minutes, significantly minimizing the downtime of freight trains with locomotive drivers and locomotives.

Successfully Tested on Pilot Trains

Since 2017, the technology developed by PJM and SBB Cargo has been successfully tested on pilot trains. Based on this extensive testing, VTG will make this system available as an equipment option. The expansion of the equipment portfolio to include the automatic brake testing system supports the integration of the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAK) and represents another important step in the digitalization strategy of both companies.

Photo: © PJM