The present invention relates to a fixed guideway transportation system that achieves a superior cost benefit ratio, is lower in net present cost and thus more easily justified for lower density corridors, and can provide passenger carrying capacities appropriate for higher density corridors serviced by mass rapid transit systems today. The invention provides an emergency braking control system and methodology that enables the implementation of related systems and methods that achieve safe headways at higher speeds than conventionally possible, while maintaining collision avoidance capabilities. In embodiments, vehicles are controlled from one or more stations with commands that are periodically sent from the station to the vehicle. For the control of emergency braking, this command contains a Safe to Proceed (STP) field that is intended and is required for the vehicle to withhold braking.