Rail Transit Types

Light Rail

Light rail is a flexible transit mode run on dedicated tracks, often at street level though sometimes grade-separated. They typically run through urban areas and nearby suburbs, providing fast and frequent service over a medium-sized coverage area.

Light Metro

Light metro systems are similar to light rail but combine higher speeds with full separation from street traffic. These medium-capacity systems handle larger passenger volumes by running longer trains and operating at more frequent intervals.

Heavy Metro

Heavy metro systems, commonly referred to as subways or els, consist of high-capacity trains running almost exclusively on underground or elevated tracks. Like light metros, heavy metros are entirely separated from both street traffic and other rail traffic.

Heavy Rail

Regional rail connects urban cores with surrounding suburbs and rural areas, offering longer-distance travel as well as express service within cities. These trains often run on mainline shared with intercity trains and are designed for moderate to high speeds.