What is the difference between tram and light rail?

Difference between trams and light rail Light rail is a relatively modern term, and can be applied to quite a broad spectrum of systems. Virtually every tram systems can be considered as light rail, but only those light rail systems which feature street running can be called trams.

Whats the difference between light and heavy rail?

In North America, the American Public Transportation Association defines a heavy-rail system as an electric railway with the capacity to handle a heavy volume of traffic. The term is often used to distinguish it from light rail systems, which usually handle a smaller volume of passengers.

What makes a tram a tram?

A tram (also known as a streetcar, tramcar, trolley or trolleycar in North America) is a train that runs on a tramway track on public urban streets; some include segments on segregated right-of-way. The lines or networks operated by tramcars as public transport are called tramways or simply tram/streetcar.

What is difference between railway and metro?

Metro tracks are on surface, underground as well as overhead whereas trains run on tracks laid on the surface mostly. Metro provide relief to commuters inside a city and its suburbs while trains are indispensable for those needing to move to distant cities.

Is there a difference between a tram and a train?

Train tracks are laid a few inches above the ground while tram tracks are laid at road level to enable cars and other vehicles to drive over them. Trains consist of a series of vehicles or coaches which are coupled together and drawn by a locomotive.

What are the different types of mass transit?

Public transport modes include:

  • City buses.
  • Trolleybuses.
  • Trams (or light rail)
  • Passenger trains.
  • Rapid transit (metro/subways/undergrounds etc)
  • Ferries.