A system for providing at least one of train information and track characterization information for use in train performance, the system comprising:

a. a first element to determine at least one of a location of a train on a track segment and a time from a beginning of the trip;

b. a track characterization element to provide track segment information;

c. a sensor for measuring an operating condition of at least one of the locomotives in the train;

d. a database for storing at least one of track segment information and the operating condition of at least one of the locomotives; and

e. a processor to correlate information from the first element, the track characterization element, the sensor, and the database, so that the database may be used for creating a trip plan that optimizes train performance in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the train.