CN Introduces Smaller, Lighter Operator Control Units for the BELTPACK Locomotive Remote Control System.

Business Editors

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2001

CN (NYSE:CNI)(TSE:CNR.)

Canadian National today announced the introduction of a new generation of operator control units (OCU) for the BELTPACK(R) locomotive remote control system (LRC) it uses in Canada.

Designed and manufactured by CN's CANAC subsidiary, the OCUIIe is a major step forward. Significantly smaller, lighter and ergonomically improved over the previous unit, the OCUIIe weighs just 3.4 pounds, compared to 6.8 pounds for its predecessor - a 44 per cent reduction in weight and 39 per cent reduction in total size. It features a molded magnesium housing with rounded edges and corners for maximum comfort as well as high impact resistance and durability. An improved user safety vest support system that transfers weight to the operator's hips and body frame - thus eliminating potential back, shoulder and muscle strain - has also been developed and will be deployed.

The new operator control unit is the result of more than a year's close cooperation and teamwork involving CANAC, CN management and field operations employees, UTU representatives, as well as ergonomists and kinesiologists.

"The drive behind developing the new OCU was weight and comfort," said Jack McBain, senior Vice-President, Operations at CN. "With input from CN's employees performing switching assignments using the BELTPACK(R), CANAC and the design team provided an ergonomically-designed, lighter and safer OCU that will be greatly appreciated by our yard employees."

Implementation of the new operator control unit has commenced in Montreal's Taschereau Yard with delivery of the first 40 units that will account for the implementation on the Eastern Canada Division's Champlain Region. Implementation in all of CN's main yards, including Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver, will be completed during 2001. In all, 250 new OCUs will be delivered to CN. Presently, CN has over 125 yard locomotives equipped with the BELTPACK(R) locomotive remote control system, making it the largest user of locomotive remote control systems in North America.

BELTPACK(R) is a computer-based locomotive remote control system that allows control of locomotives by ground-based employees via radio link using a portable operator control unit (OCU). The technology enables two operators to operate a switching assignment safely, by use of an onboard computer. CN's data shows that the use of the locomotive remote control system has resulted in a major reduction in the number of yard incidents.

Canadian National Railway Company spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with Connections too all points in North America.