PAPERLESS
20 APR | BY BRENTON HARTLE
Eight things you need to know about the move to paperless GTBs and train lists.
1. On Monday, April 20, we are starting a transition to move paperless for General Track Bulletins (GTBs) and train lists. Our goal is that by May 11, you’ll no longer have to use paper—you’ll simply access GTBs and train lists directly on your iPad.
2. You’ll have a few weeks to practice. At 0900 CT on Monday, April 20, electronic GTBs and train lists will be enabled on your iPads via the Mobile Train Reporting (MTR) app. During this transition, we strongly recommend you get used to using the MTR app early so you don’t have trouble getting your materials after the target May 11 date. If for some reason you experience any difficulties, the pre-printed documents will still be available as a backup. We will be evaluating progress on an ongoing basis and will be moving paperless where it is safe and possible to do so.
3. The mobile train reporting applies to all BNSF trains, including HAZMAT, but there are some exceptions. The videos and MTR Help app explain how to handle HAZMAT trains, and emergency response teams are being made aware that we are going paperless. Exceptions: Until further notice, BNSF employees working in Canada are not required to use paperless train lists. Paper GTBs for foreign lines (including trackage rights) are still required until further notice.
4. Be sure you have the latest version of the MTR app, along with the supporting Help and Training apps. If you don’t have these apps, you can download them through the Apps@Work app that is already on your iPad. Here are the apps you’ll want to be sure you have on the device: MTR (version 4.7.3.2 or later), MTR Help (version 1.2.0 or later) and MTR Training (version 4.6.0 or later).
5. Haven’t been using your iPad? Now is the time. Get into the habit now of keeping it charged and bringing it to work. You’ll want to keep it turned on while off duty and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data so you have the most up-to-date information on your device. You’ll also want to be sure you’re regularly checking for and installing iOS updates.
6. We’ll have some videos to help you learn how to use the MTR app. You will also be able to access these and other helpful tips through BNSF Connect, the MTR Help and Training apps.
7. We’ve got you covered on technical support. If you have general iPad support needs, you can find information on our Train Crew Mobility site on the employee portal. We’ve added a quick link in BNSF Connect and on the home page of the portal to help you easily get to it. Finally, if you need more technical support, the BNSF Help Desk is ready to assist you with any iPad or MTR questions. Contact them at 817-593-4357 and say “iPad” then “Application Support.”
8. If you don’t have an iPad or if yours is damaged, we’ve still got you covered. You can start the process of ordering an iPad using the QR code below or by going here and completing the form. Or, you can contact your supervisor to help you order or replace your iPad. Once you have sent in the order, you should receive your new iPad in one to five days.
You will need your BNSF email address,
your B number and your Windows password to access the form.
1. On Monday, April 20, we are starting a transition to move paperless for General Track Bulletins (GTBs) and train lists. Our goal is that by May 11, you’ll no longer have to use paper—you’ll simply access GTBs and train lists directly on your iPad.
2. You’ll have a few weeks to practice. At 0900 CT on Monday, April 20, electronic GTBs and train lists will be enabled on your iPads via the Mobile Train Reporting (MTR) app. During this transition, we strongly recommend you get used to using the MTR app early so you don’t have trouble getting your materials after the target May 11 date. If for some reason you experience any difficulties, the pre-printed documents will still be available as a backup. We will be evaluating progress on an ongoing basis and will be moving paperless where it is safe and possible to do so.
3. The mobile train reporting applies to all BNSF trains, including HAZMAT, but there are some exceptions. The videos and MTR Help app explain how to handle HAZMAT trains, and emergency response teams are being made aware that we are going paperless. Exceptions: Until further notice, BNSF employees working in Canada are not required to use paperless train lists. Paper GTBs for foreign lines (including trackage rights) are still required until further notice.
4. Be sure you have the latest version of the MTR app, along with the supporting Help and Training apps. If you don’t have these apps, you can download them through the Apps@Work app that is already on your iPad. Here are the apps you’ll want to be sure you have on the device: MTR (version 4.7.3.2 or later), MTR Help (version 1.2.0 or later) and MTR Training (version 4.6.0 or later).
5. Haven’t been using your iPad? Now is the time. Get into the habit now of keeping it charged and bringing it to work. You’ll want to keep it turned on while off duty and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data so you have the most up-to-date information on your device. You’ll also want to be sure you’re regularly checking for and installing iOS updates.
6. We’ll have some videos to help you learn how to use the MTR app. You will also be able to access these and other helpful tips through BNSF Connect, the MTR Help and Training apps.
7. We’ve got you covered on technical support. If you have general iPad support needs, you can find information on our Train Crew Mobility site on the employee portal. We’ve added a quick link in BNSF Connect and on the home page of the portal to help you easily get to it. Finally, if you need more technical support, the BNSF Help Desk is ready to assist you with any iPad or MTR questions. Contact them at 817-593-4357 and say “iPad” then “Application Support.”
8. If you don’t have an iPad or if yours is damaged, we’ve still got you covered. You can start the process of ordering an iPad using the QR code below or by going here and completing the form. Or, you can contact your supervisor to help you order or replace your iPad. Once you have sent in the order, you should receive your new iPad in one to five days.
You will need your BNSF email address,
your B number and your Windows password to access the form.