13 Facts About Rapid transit

Rapid transit or mass rapid transit, known as heavy rail or metro, is a type of high-capacity public transport generally found in urban areas.

Unlike buses or trams, rapid transit systems are railways that operate on an exclusive right-of-way, which cannot be accessed by pedestrians or other vehicles, and which is often grade-separated in tunnels or on elevated railways.

World's first rapid transit system was the partially underground Metropolitan Railway which opened in 1863 using steam locomotives, and now forms part of the London Underground.

Rapid transit is used in cities, agglomerations, and metropolitan areas to transport large numbers of people often short distances at high frequency.

Rapid transit topologies are determined by a large number of factors, including geographical barriers, existing or expected travel patterns, construction costs, politics, and historical constraints.

Related searches

Rapid transit operators have often built up strong brands, often focused on easy recognition—to allow quick identification even in the vast array of signage found in large cities—combined with the desire to communicate speed, safety, and authority.

Unlike conventional maps, Rapid transit maps are usually not geographically accurate, but emphasize the topological connections among the different stations.

The standardized GTFS data format for Rapid transit information allows many third-party software developers to produce web and smartphone app programs which give passengers customized updates regarding specific Rapid transit lines and stations of interest.

Technology used for public, mass rapid transit has undergone significant changes in the years since the Metropolitan Railway opened publicly in London in 1863.

Light metro is a subclass of rapid transit that has the speed and grade separation of a "full metro" but is designed for smaller passenger numbers.

Premetro design means that an underground rapid transit system is built in the city center, but only a light rail or tram system in the suburbs.

Rapid transit is sometimes seen as an alternative to an extensive road transport system with many motorways; the rapid transit system allows higher capacity with less land use, less environmental impact, and a lower cost.

Almost all Rapid transit systems operate at a deficit, requiring fare revenue, advertising and subsidies to cover costs.