An apparatus for initiating and latching a bail-off request for depleting the automatic brake pressure in the brake cylinders of a locomotive consist including a cab control unit having an automatic brake handle and an independent brake handle. A central processing unit receives a first input signal from the cab control unit which is indicative of the number of locomotives in the consist and receives a second input signal from the cab control unit which signifies a bail-off request. A display screen receives input signals from the central processing unit for exhibiting either a setup screen or a normal running screen in the locomotive. An electropneumatic unit receives an input signal from the central processing unit for initiating the bail-off of the automatic brakes on the locomotive consist when the independent brake handle is placed in a bail-off position.