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Glossary:Light rail

Light rail is a rail line, often electrified, and mainly for the urban transport of passengers. Stations/halts are generally less than 1 200 m apart.

In comparison to metros, light rail is more lightly constructed, is designed for lower traffic volumes and usually travels at lower speeds. Normally, the power is drawn from an overhead electric line via a device that maintains electrical contact (a trolley or a pantograph). It is sometimes difficult to make a precise distinction between light rail and trams; trams are generally not separated from road traffic but light rail may be separated from other systems.

A light rail vehicle is a rail vehicle designed for use on a light rail line.

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