UK- Network Rail aims to close 800 signal boxes

[bikkuri bahn]

Will switch to automatic traffic management systems (called programmed route control in Japan):
http://www.rail.co/2011/09/06/wholesale-closure-of-almost-every-signal-box-on-the-network/

*Hitachi is in the running as one of the suppliers.

[westfalen]

When I visited the UK last year I was surprised how many signal boxes and semaphore signals were still in use around the network.

[Mudkip Orange]

The whole "token working on little-used lines" thing to me always seemed like the vestiges of an operator which *wanted* to close them, which was still obsessed with Beeching-style "rationalization."

Investing in automated systems for tiny rural lines shows a commitment to keeping them open, which is awesome.