Re: Streetcar
the difference between streetcar and light rail are frequency, # of stops, ROW, and capacity. Light Rail tend to be less frequent and fewer stops since the trains ate often longer and stops more pronounced/expensive than streetcar but Ligh Rail makes up for it in capacity - running longer trains than streetcars normally do. Streetcars run almost exclusively in existing vehicular ROW whereas light rail will have much more dedicated ROW to achieve headways.
You can have streetcar approach a light rail when you double them up but then they are often termed the Eurpoean name Tram. They still run in the street and although more capacity than a three car streetcar that we have still far less than a typical light rail train.
Those are the differences. Both modes use the same (light vehicles) and most often overhead Catenary. There isn't a need for a second wire since the rail serves as ground to complete the circuit. 2nd wire is seen for trolleybus and trolleys since they have no ground.
Metro is always fully grade separated (above or under, fenced when on ground/never in the streets). Metro can be automated (Vancouver SkyTrain) but most systems require drivers. Automated metros have incredible frequencies and therefore great capacity without having very long trainsets. Metros have much higher pax loads than light rail but fewer stations since they are buildings vs. just a set of platforms in the open. Metros most often have 3rd rail for power however many new/Asian systems use overhead.
Mode comparison: Most/highest to least
* Frequency: Automated Metro, BRT, Metro, light rail, streetcar, bus, commuter express bus, commuter rail
* Passenger Capacity (Total): Metro, light rail, Commuter Rail, BRT, commuter express bus, streetcar, bus
* Passengers (each): Metro, Auto Metro, Commuter Rail, light rail, BRT, commuter express bus, streetcar, bus
* Grade Seg: Metro, Commuter Rail, light rail, streetcar, BRT, Commuter express bus, bus
* Electrification: (3rd Rail to Cat to Elect/Petro): Metro, light rail/streetcar, Commuter Rail, BRT, Commuter Express bus, bus
* Platform Length: Metro, Auto Metro, Commuter Rail, light rail, BRT, Streetcar, Commuter Bus, bus
* # stops: bus, streetcar, BRT, light rail, Auto metro, metro, Commuter Bus, Commuter Rail, Express bus
* Speed: Metro, Auto Metro, light rail, Commuter Rail, BRT, Express Bus, Commuter Bus, Bus
hope this helps.
Oklahoma City, the RENAISSANCE CITY!
Bookmarks