Transportation [Technology 1998 analysis and forecast]

The safety debate has taken a new twist in both the aviation and the rail industries. High-profile aviation disasters and freight train wrecks have prompted demands for another great leap forward in safety. In both industries, new technology is playing a key role. And in the automotive field, public health will be the ultimate beneficiary if electric or hybrid electric vehicles start coming into wider use now that manufacturers have announced significant improvements in range. An enhanced ground proximity warning system for aviation, automatic train control, development of high speed trains, and electric vehicles powered by batteries and fuel cells, are discussed.