I'm UK based and I think we do have a tendency in the UK towards low redundancy in key systems, mainly to save money.
For example, the London Underground used to have its own small power stations. These needed refurb/upgrade about 20 years ago, cost £12million, so not done, bridge to National Grid instead.
No big problems since, because there are several connections, complete failure would need almost complete black out in London, but unpleasant when it happens locally
At present, when there are problems on the local commuter trains, we can fall back on 'sole possession of the way' although the drivers no longer have the brass tokens. The driver stops the train, gets out of the cab and resets the signal, which sets the signal on the next section of track to danger, so no other train will enter that section until train clears it. Not sure if they will keep the wiring that allows that in the future.
My favourite example of this is the way the PM would have launched the nuclear V-bombers towards the Soviet Union in the late 50s and early 60s: using the AA radio network!
For example, the London Underground used to have its own small power stations. These needed refurb/upgrade about 20 years ago, cost £12million, so not done, bridge to National Grid instead.
No big problems since, because there are several connections, complete failure would need almost complete black out in London, but unpleasant when it happens locally
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-556910/Power-failure...
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4108-double-failure-ca...
Perhaps National UK systems need more duplication and less reliance on central systems like GPS?
I've seen reports of a plan to use mobile phone based signals on railways to offset problems with antiquated wiring and cable theft...
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.8564
At present, when there are problems on the local commuter trains, we can fall back on 'sole possession of the way' although the drivers no longer have the brass tokens. The driver stops the train, gets out of the cab and resets the signal, which sets the signal on the next section of track to danger, so no other train will enter that section until train clears it. Not sure if they will keep the wiring that allows that in the future.