[verelo]

The funny thing here is we might already have the best solution to the "easy" automation scenario: Trains. It's a shame they're so expensive and require special tracks. If we could invent a hybrid train / car, that behaved like a train, but didn't require special track...that might actually be a better direction.

[ghaff]

You're pretty much describing a truck or a bus in that breaking up a train is one of the things you need to do to allow it to travel on non-dedicated/special right-of-way.

And, with respect to freight, a lot of the easy automation is handled by trains. A huge amount of truly long distance freight in the US (including but not limited to bulk cargo) goes by train for much of its overland transport.

[Piskvorrr]

The special/segregated track is one of the major reasons they're more secure.

[TylerE]

Aussies have been doing this for decades.

https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-2bc514ba621d41419fabd6...