Properly administered, CTC is the epitome of traffic control. Years of experience dealing with various attitudes, competance and the Unknown make a huge difference in actual execution. But years of experience ultimately means no longevity: those with a great deal of experience and efficient practice under pressure are generally headed towards retirement. Yet, look at two parellel lines on the San Joaquin Valley: one handles numerous scheduled passenger traffic with delays retributed in cash penalty payments as well as slow drags, locals and not less than two Z trains in either direction. This is a daily occourance on a mostly, up until recently, single track mainline with sidings- in the fog. And the other...well, I don't have much to say there, except the layout isn't much different and they have more North/Southrouting options and don't have a great Amtrak burden.

Then, look towards the L.A. Basin and the East/West traffic flow. Quite a different aspect operationally, but keep in mind both of these operations can and often are, controlled by dispatchers off the extra board batting a fairly consistant respectable average given that most DSs haven't actually come from the craft or seen- or ridden along(!) the territory. Finally, all decision making must consider Safety, Rules and a general plan- that which might change on a whim!

The old heads rightfully recall clockwork operations, yet I've yet to find one that can recall such a tons-per-mile similarity between now and then.