py_megapixel
Established Member
The big question I am posing here is, Is it feasible for the entire network, over a period of perhaps several decades, to convert the entire British railway network from traditional signalling and human drivers to automated train operation (ATO), presumably with moving-block signals?
For clarification here, I do not mean removing drivers from trains. I mean the kind of system used by TfL, where there is a member of staff in the cab who is trained as a driver, but in reality does not drive the train in passenger service except in exceptional conditions, instead pushing a button to hand over to a computer (which drives the train to the next station) after ensuring the doors are closed at each station. (If any of that is wrong then let me know).
There are many advantages of this - the trains drive more smoothly, precisley and predictably than a human possibly could which means the service can be more frequent and faster with shorter distances between trains, making travel more efficient. I assume it is also safer as long as the software is well designed.
There are inevitably cases where this would be over-the-top. For example, 1tp2h branch lines with low passenger numbers have no real need for it. But in congested corridors it could make sense.
For clarification here, I do not mean removing drivers from trains. I mean the kind of system used by TfL, where there is a member of staff in the cab who is trained as a driver, but in reality does not drive the train in passenger service except in exceptional conditions, instead pushing a button to hand over to a computer (which drives the train to the next station) after ensuring the doors are closed at each station. (If any of that is wrong then let me know).
There are many advantages of this - the trains drive more smoothly, precisley and predictably than a human possibly could which means the service can be more frequent and faster with shorter distances between trains, making travel more efficient. I assume it is also safer as long as the software is well designed.
There are inevitably cases where this would be over-the-top. For example, 1tp2h branch lines with low passenger numbers have no real need for it. But in congested corridors it could make sense.
