Right-sized
for your railroad.
Advanced Rail Systems brings proven switch automation, control and integration experience to short line and regional railroads — with solutions configured around the size, infrastructure and operational needs of your railroad.
From a single automatic switch to connected yard control, we help you put the right capability in the right places without adding complexity you don't need.
Proven rail yard capability.
Scaled to fit your operation.
Start with the needs of your operation
Not a one-size-fits all.
Modernizing a yard shouldn't mean buying more technology than the operation requires — or trying to assemble a solution from individual components on your own.
ARS focuses specifically on rail yard operations. Our team looks at how your railroad works, where your crews are losing time and what infrastructure is already in place. Then we help determine the right combination of switch machines, controls, communications, power and indication for the application.
That could be one remotely controlled switch. It could be several switches operated by radio. Or it could be a connected yard-control system with centralized visibility.
The system scales with the need.
Purpose-built for your operation
Get the capability you need without overbuilding the system.
ARS solutions are flexible by design. Rather than starting with a large control architecture and working backward, we build around the actual requirements of the railroad.
That gives short line and regional operators a practical way to improve yard operations while keeping equipment, controls and maintenance manageable.
Start with a single switch or targeted location
Choose the control method that fits your crews
Preserve existing infrastructure where practical
Configure power and indication for the site
Add equipment and connectivity as needs grow
Move to centralized yard control when the operation calls for it
The result is a system built around the work that needs to be done today — with a clear path to add capability later.
Solutions for Short Line Railroads
From individual switch automation to connected yard control, ARS provides the equipment and expertise to build a complete solution around your operation.
Start with the capability that solves the problem today. Add more when and where the railroad needs it.
Dependable Automatic Switching
Put proven, maintainable equipment at the point of operation.
The YM-16 provides closed-loop electro-hydraulic operation, direct-drive mechanics and positive position verification in a low-profile, field-serviceable design.
It can be deployed as a standalone switch machine or as part of a larger automated yard system, giving short line and regional operators a practical foundation that can scale with the operation.
For applications requiring a different operating configuration, the HSM-17 provides an additional switch-machine option engineered around the turnout, environment and performance requirements.
Control That Fits the Way Your Crews Work
Choose the level of control that makes sense for your crew & yard.
ARS supports control options ranging from simple push-button operation and DTMF radio control to browser-based Pathfinder yard control.
That flexibility means a railroad doesn't need a centralized software platform simply to automate a switch. Crews can use straightforward field controls where that's all the operation requires, while more connected locations can add centralized control and visibility.
The control method fits the operation — not the other way around.
Flexible System Integration
Connect operator commands, field equipment + existing railroad systems.
The ARMMI Programmable Processor connects operator controls to field equipment. It receives commands from systems such as push-button controls, DTMF radio or Pathfinder, applies configured control logic and communicates those commands to connected switch machines.
ARMMI can support a standalone switch or coordinate multiple field assets. It also provides a practical integration point for connecting ARS equipment with many existing yard control systems — allowing targeted upgrades without requiring replacement of the control infrastructure already in place.
Power + Indication
Reliable power & clear field indication for your switch installation.
ARS offers power options designed around the requirements and available infrastructure of each location. Systems can be configured with utility power or independent power solutions, including solar, battery and super capacitor options.
For clear field status, ARS also provides LED switch position indicators, reflective targets and other indication options to give crews visible confirmation of switch position and equipment status.
Help your small crew do more.
Switch automation unlocks what a lean team is able to accomplish.
For short line and regional railroads, adding people isn't always the best — or easiest — way to increase capacity. Automating routine switch movements can help existing crews cover more ground while reducing the time spent getting on and off equipment to manually line switches.
That creates benefits across the operation:
Increase crew productivity — Spend less time manually lining switches and more time moving cars and completing the work.
Improve safety — Reduce unnecessary exposure around tracks, moving equipment and manual switch operations.
Make training easier — Straightforward, consistent controls can simplify how new employees learn yard operations.
Reduce the impact of turnover — Build repeatable processes that rely less on individual workarounds and institutional knowledge.
Support a smaller workforce — Give crews tools that allow them to manage more of the operation without simply adding headcount.
Make railroad jobs more attractive — Better tools and less repetitive manual work can help create a safer, more modern working environment for the next generation of railroaders.
Unlock additional capacity — Remove small operational bottlenecks that can limit what your existing yard, equipment and workforce are able to accomplish.
Automate at your own pace. Start with the switches and movements where it creates the most value, then expand as the operation requires.
Start with your yard.
Tell us where manual processes, aging equipment, control limitations or lack of visibility are affecting the operation.
We'll work with your team to understand the application and determine the right level of switching, control, power, indication and connectivity for the job.