PTC is a problem of ROI for operators. The incentive is apparently not so great, so it will take decades. Also, and this is frequent in rail, any complicated solution that will leverage the existing infrastructure will be explored, further entangling the situation. In more controlled economies, the state has enforced for long the technology to be used. [1] Some may say it is a case where free market cannot be trusted to take the correct decisions. It is a societal debate, no longer an engineering topic. [2]
[1] Not too bad: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_train_control
[2] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_Safety_Improvement_Act_...
> the derailment was caused by the train's engineer (driver) becoming distracted by other radio transmissions and losing situational awareness, and said that it would have been prevented by positive train control, a computerized speed-limiting system
Remember, I was initially referring to rail's approach to safety generally, not just in the context of automation.
> I don't think the majority understands what safety means in mass transportation.
And inferring that you meant that rail understands safety, generally, better than any other mode of transportation which I took issue with. I believe you 100% when you say that only one accident in 30 years ahas been attributed to driverless trains.
What I find horrifying about rail is how simple PTC should be: "am I exceeding the maximum speed for this stretch of rail? is there a train in front of me? if yes to either, slow down" and yet Amtrak says it will take billions of dollars and decades to install. I'm thinking of accidents like the NE Corridor derailment in 2015.