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[email protected] · August 16th 16, 04:23 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article
-septembe
r.org, (Recliner) wrote:

wrote:
On Tue, 16 Aug 2016 11:04:06 +0100
Neil Williams wrote:
On 2016-08-16 09:50:19 +0000, Recliner said:

It's probably better than most cab firms. The reason that black cabs
hate Uber is that it's so popular with customers, not that it provides
poor customer service.

The black cab dislike of Uber is close to the DOO debates on Southern -
technology is obviating the need for a job, and those in that job
understandably don't like it.

We'll have the same for the abolition of train *drivers* within 20
years. Guard-only operation like DLR is more likely to be the future
(or full automation of city metro systems with staff on specific busy
platforms only); DOO is a short-term blip.

Nearly 50 years and counting is a bit more than short term.

I wouldn't be so sure of that. ATO on a slow metro system is one thing,
having no one at the front on an express is another matter entirely.
Until trains have sensors at least as good as the human eye to see any
obstructions ahead it won't happen. The same issues apply to self
driving cars. Its no use the computer seeing all the cars around it in
precise detail if it misses the pile up 200m ahead and brakes way too
late.

Can the drivers of 200mph expresses see far enough ahead to be able to
have any material ability to slow or stop the train if they see an
obstruction or track problem?

They can't see far enough ahead to do anything useful to avoid a tractor on
an occupation crossing as at Roudham.

--
Colin Rosenstiel