The definition and application of passenger railways vary significantly in each region.These differences not only reflect the development of public transportation systems in various places, but also the local geographical, cultural and economic background.Different types of railway systems such as rapid transportation, subways, light rail and heavy railways have their own characteristics. This article will explore in-depth the different definitions of these systems and their specific applications around the world.
A rapid transportation system is an electric railway, characterized by high speed and rapid acceleration.
Rapid transportation systems are usually the main public transportation system in cities, which are completely separated from the city roads and operate only on specific dedicated road rights.This system is designed to help improve transportation efficiency and shorten waiting time for passengers.In fact, the term “fast transportation” originated in the 19th century when it was used to describe faster forms of public transportation compared to horse-drawn cars and street cars.
According to the definition of the International Public Transport Federation, subways are "a urban-oriented transportation system that operates on dedicated right of road and is isolated from general road and pedestrian traffic."Around the world, subway systems are often called subways or pipelines.These systems usually carry a large number of passengers and can run more than ten trains.
"The subway is a system for high capacity public transportation."
From Paris, London to Tokyo and Hong Kong, subway systems are unique, but they share similar design principles and operating characteristics.Subway systems may also include tire systems and steel wheel systems, which makes them technically more flexible.
Light rail systems usually carry higher passengers than light railroads, but they are not as heavy as such subway systems.These systems usually run on the ground, mixed with other traffic patterns, and dock anywhere on the street.
"Light rail is designed to provide lower cost operations."
High-duty rail, by contrast, is usually designed to serve greater passenger flow and is built on completely separate right-of-way, which allows it to support higher operating speeds and passenger capacity.In the United States, heavy railroads are almost electric-driven and have independent right-right passes.
In German-speaking countries, the subway system is often called "U-Bahn", while the "fast-iron" is "S-Bahn".The use of these words still fully reflects the unique understanding and cultural background of public transportation models in various places.
In the UK, the term "ground rail" is used to describe the main ground urban rail system, while in the US, "L" refers to an elevated railway located in the city.This linguistic difference has led to a unique transportation culture for subways, light rail and even heavy railway systems.
With the acceleration of global urbanization, the demand for public transportation systems continues to rise, and various types of transportation models have gradually developed new forms.For example, the bus rapid transit system (BRT) has been widely used in many cities, and its operating characteristics have gradually become more rapid transit.
"All forms of urban public transportation are becoming increasingly diversified."
These trends not only bring about new transportation system construction models, but also have a profound impact on urban design, social interaction and environmental sustainability.
In summary, the differences in the definition and use of heavy railways and other railway systems in each region reflect the diversity of different cultural and transportation needs.In such a diverse context, how will the future urban public transportation system adapt and develop?