The advances in digital short range communications technologies may finally make it possible to develop a cost effective digital electronic air brake system.

Yes, you'll say this technology has already had its own set of problems with the potential for accelerators in cars losing communication, from potentially hacking into the digital signal and thus the device, or from basic screw ups like coding errors in these complex programs. But, that being said, this technology and the major advances in imaging, and control technologies is what is going to replace cab drivers, bus drivers, train drivers, truck drivers.

It increasingly appears that this new fangled technology is here to stay, and Robbie the robot is coming to a transportation system near you.

I have done some extensive analysis of operating costs, from choo-choo's to dial-a-ride , systems, and the fixation with operating fuel usage seems to produce increasingly marginal operating savings. That has not been the case with the introduction of new engine technologies that save fuel, however.

When the first fuel crisis suddenly hit in back around 73-74 the railroads began aggressive moves to save fuel and it paid off big dividends, with substantial fuel cost and thus operating savings, as at that time the engines were almost never shut down, due to myths about bad batteries and other such nonsense. Just shutting down hundreds of idling engines was a huge savings.

The human failing of attempting to re-live our past successes is what I think causes the RR "bean counters" to focus too much on this cost, as opposed to more effective and efficient crew, equipment, and capacity utilization, which would appear to produce better long term results, than harassing operating personnel over "excess" fuel use from "too much" use of the brakes.

Remember: "Up the hill slow, down the hill fast, it's still tonnage first and safety last (especially with this kind of micromanagement and intimidation over the use of the number one safety tool at your disposal: the brakes????)....."