International Association of Public TransportThe International Association of Public Transport (French: Union Internationale des Transports Publics; UITP) is a non-profit member-led organisation for public transport authorities, networks and operators, policy decision-makers, scientific institutes and the public transport supply and service industry, that works to advance sustainable urban mobility.
Rapid transitHigh-capacity public transportA Seoul Metro Class 2000 series 10-car EMU set 2x09 leaving Hanyang University StationA R211A train at 80th Street station of the New York City SubwayA test train of London Underground2024 Stock at Turnham Green on the Piccadilly lineA 07A02 train at Meilan Lake station on the Shanghai MetroA Paris MetroMP 14 train at Châtelet on Line 14A S Train on the South Island Line on the Hong Kong MTR approaching Ocean ParkRapid transit, mass rapid transit (MRT) or rail rapid transit (RRT) and commonly referred to as metro, is a type of high-capacity public transport that is generally built in urban areas.
Light railForm of passenger urban rail transitGallery of light rail systems worldwide, from top left to bottom right: the Los Angeles Metro E Line, the Granada Metro, the Tunis Metro, the Rio de Janeiro Light Rail, the MTR Light Rail in Hong Kong, and Tvärbanan in StockholmLight rail (or light rail transit, abbreviated to LRT) is a form of passenger urban rail transit that uses rolling stock derived from tram technology, while having the capability to operate rolling stock on exclusive right of ways, on grade-separated section as well as in mixed traffic conditions.
Public transportPublic transport (also known as public transportation, public transit, mass transit, or simply transit) refers to forms of transport made available for use by the general public. Public transport systems typically operate on fixed routes and schedules and charge a standardized fare intended to cover operating costs, often supplemented by public funding where required. There is no universally fixed definition of which modes are included.
Commuter railClockwise from top left: A Metra train of Gallery Cars hauled by an F40PH on the Union Pacific North Line in the Chicago areaAn RER NG train on line E of the Réseau Express Régional in ParisAn AM class electric multiple unit used in AucklandAn Israel Railways train in JerusalemA CPTM train on the Coral Line in São PauloAn E235 series EMU of the Yamanote Line railway in TokyoCommuter rail or suburban rail is a passenger rail service that primarily operates within a metropolitan area, connecting the central city to its suburbs and commuter towns.
London UndergroundThe London Underground (also known simply as the Underground or as the Tube) is a rapid transit system serving Greater London and parts of the adjacent home counties of Buckinghamshire, Essex, and Hertfordshire in England. Managed by Transport for London (TfL), the network spans 11 lines and 250 miles (400 km) of track, serving 272 stations.
American Public Transportation AssociationNon-profit advocacy group in the United States The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit group of approximately 1,500 public and private sector member organizations that promotes and advocates for the interests of the public transportation industry in the United States. APTA represents all modes of public transportation, including bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services, and intercity and high-speed passenger rail.
Federal Transit AdministrationThe Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is an agency within the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) that provides financial and technical assistance to local public transportation systems. The FTA is one of ten modal administrations within the DOT.
City and South London RailwayUnderground railway company in LondonThe City and South London Railway (C&SLR) was the first successful deep-level underground "tube" railway in the world, and the first major railway to use electric traction. The railway was originally intended for cable-hauled trains, but owing to the bankruptcy of the cable contractor during construction, a system of electric traction using electric locomotives – an experimental technology at the time – was chosen instead.
Grade separationIn civil engineering (and more specifically, highway or railway engineering), grade separation is a method of aligning a junction of two or more surface transport axes at different heights (grades) so that they will not disrupt the traffic flow on other transit routes when they cross each other. The composition of such transport axes does not have to be uniform; it can consist of a mixture of roads, footpaths, railways, canals, or airport runways.
Level crossingIntersection where a road crosses a railway at the same levelMany level crossings, especially those with no barriers such as this one in Wales, are marked by crossed beams (US:crossbucks) to warn road usersA level crossing at Hoylake, Merseyside, England, with a train passingA level crossing is an intersection where a railway line crosses a road, path, or (in rare situations) airport runway, at the same level, as opposed to the crossing using an overpass or tunnel.Passenger rail terminologyVarious terms are used for passenger railway lines and equipment; the usage of these terms differs substantially between areas:*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.