All on-track operation will be controlled by a multilevel computer system with redundant safety controls. The track and vehicle computers will independently monitor spacing and closing speeds, initiating corrective action as necessary. There will be an emergency mode in which all vehicles, which may be effected by the problem, perform a programmed stop, maintaining separations. This will allow very safe operation with little or no gap between vehicles.

It seems reasonable to expect a large fall in transport casualties once the system is in operation. There are schemes under development, in Germany for example, to form cars and trucks into closely-spaced trains on motorways following guide wires embedded in the road surface. If they are only to be segregated from other traffic by a white painted line and running on standard rubber tyres, their safety must be orders of magnitude less than that offered by the BiWay track system.

Technical