Light rail

Light 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. This capability gives LRT a greater flexibility than other transit modes. "Light" refers to the lighter passengers capacity of a line compared to rapid transit.

The term was coined in 1972 in the United States as an English equivalent for the German word Stadtbahn, meaning "city railroad". Different definitions exist in some countries, but in the United States, light rail operates primarily along exclusive rights-of-way and uses either individual tramcars or multiple units coupled together, with a lower capacity and speed than a long heavy rail passenger train or rapid transit system.

Narrowly defined, light rail transit uses rolling stock that is similar to that of a traditional tram, while operating at a higher capacity and speed, often on an exclusive right-of-way. In broader usage, light rail transit can include tram-like operations mostly on streets. Some light rail networks have characteristics closer to rapid transit. Only when these systems are fully grade-separated, they are referred to as light metros or light rail rapid transit (LRRT).