大学受験対策｜英語 長文読解問題34 難易度：★★☆☆☆

Across the world, railways continue to be a critical mode of transport for both passengers and cargo. Traditional signaling methods, which rely on physical lights and signs, have worked effectively for many years. However, as population grows and travel demand increases, these older systems face new challenges. They are less flexible, sometimes leading to slower responses or greater risks when unexpected conditions arise.

To address these problems, many railway networks are now turning to next-generation signaling solutions. Instead of simply placing warning lights along the tracks, digital communication tools allow for real-time coordination between train operators and control centers. For example, a train can receive immediate updates about another train’s speed or position ahead, letting drivers adjust quickly and safely. This approach reduces the chance of collisions and minimizes delays, creating a smoother travel experience.

Another advantage is the ability to increase railway capacity. By monitoring the precise location of each train, the control center can permit trains to run closer together without sacrificing safety. This is especially valuable in cities with busy commuter lines, where every extra space on a schedule matters. In addition, modern systems often include automated diagnostic features that detect technical problems early, allowing maintenance crews to fix issues before they become serious.

Though installing these advanced signaling technologies can be expensive and time-consuming, many experts believe they will be worth the investment in the long run. Faster, safer, and more frequent train services can benefit travelers, railway operators, and the broader economy. With next-generation signaling, rail networks can keep up with the demands of the future.

Q1. Which drawback of older signaling systems is mentioned?

1. They have greatly increased collision rates due to minimal oversight by train drivers.
2. They offer less flexibility, sometimes causing delayed responses or potential risks in sudden events.
3. They only support high-speed rail services, making local commuter lines impossible to operate.
4. They limit cargo capacity because engineers must halt trains frequently for manual checks.

Q2. What is one benefit of modern signaling that is highlighted?

1. They guarantee no maintenance is ever required, because new technology manages every repair automatically.
2. They ensure each train stays far apart, resulting in limited capacity on busy urban lines.
3. They enable trains to run closer together without sacrificing safety, improving overall network usage.
4. They call for prolonged route shutdowns, since advanced systems replace the need for regular inspections.

Q3. Which statement is NOT supported by the text about next-generation railway signaling?

1. They require no specialized training for installation, because every train can operate automatically without human guidance.
2. Digital communication between control centers and trains lowers collision risks and helps avoid schedule disruptions.
3. Although these systems can be costly to implement, many experts believe they pay off over time.
4. Older signaling has served reliably for decades but faces challenges as population growth increases rail demand.