4 ms·
Could they use a third rail system? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_rail https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_rail
by benjiweber 9y ago
Could they use a third rail system? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_rail https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_rail
- tjohns 9y agoNot really. Freight lines are usually built at-grade and occasionally intersect city streets. Caltrain tracks included. Some of the Caltrain stations doesn't even have elevated platforms. It would be... unpopular... to have an electrified third rail, at ground level, that you have to step directly over at a station or running directly through a city street. Somebody would surely trip on it or it could get touched by a little kid. Third rail systems are usually only used when the tracks are physically inaccessible to passengers or other pedestrians.
- robin_reala 9y agoPlenty of third rail in the south of England, they just stop the rail before level crossings and start it again afterwards.