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Proper light rail systems are fully separated from traffic. You're probably thinking of trams ("streetcars" in North America), which don't have a fully segrega
by Reason077 9y ago
Proper light rail systems are fully separated from traffic.
You're probably thinking of trams ("streetcars" in North America), which don't have a fully segregated right of way.
- lmm 9y agoIf it's fully separated from traffic why/how isn't it just regular ("heavy") rail?
- Reason077 9y agoThe "light" refers to the weight and capacity of the rail vehicles themselves. Light rail vehicles are typically smaller and carry less passengers per car than heavy rail. Light rail systems don't share track with heavy rail (which can include freight services, etc), so the regulatory requirements for things like crash safety are often reduced. All of this reduces the cost of the light rail systems compared to heavy rail.