XPost: rec.arts.sf.written, rec.arts.sf.science   
   From: droleary@8usenet2013.subsume.com   
      
   In article ,   
    Bernard Peek  wrote:   
      
   > I could probably put together a design for self-driving cars that could   
   > be built with today's technology. What I can't see is a transition state   
   > where some cars are self-driving and others aren't.   
      
   What are the problems you see?  Whether it's done with software or with   
   rails, it doesn't seem that hard to imagine multiple scenarios that   
   allow you to phase in the changes.   
      
   For example, Phase 1 might just be having smarter cruise controls.  I   
   think this is already happening.  You might even dedicate a lane (e.g.,   
   make it an HOV requirement) to vehicles that all do this so they can   
   travel in a closer "train" formation.   
      
   From there, it shouldn't be hard to add assisted steering into the mix   
   for Phase 2.  I'm still not sure what that gets you that actual rails   
   don't, but if it's just about continuing to use the crumbling highway   
   infrastructure, have at it.   
      
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