城市轨道交通专业英语Unit Three.docxVIP

Text A Light RailLight rail or light rail transit（LET) is a particular class of urban and suburban passenger railway that uses equipment and infrastructure that is generally less massive than that used for rapid transit systems，with modern light rail vehicles usually running along the system. Light rail is the successor term to streetcar，trolley and tram in many locales，although the term is most consistently applied to modern tram or trolley operations employing features more generally associated with metro or subway operations，including exclusive rights-of-way，multiple unit train configuration and signal control of operations. The term light rail is derived from the British English term light railway long used to distinguish tram operations from steam railway lines，and also from its usually lighter infrastructure. Light rail systems are almost universally operated by electricity delivered through overhead lines, though several systems are powered through different means，such as the JFK Airtrain，which uses a standard third rail for its electrical power, and trams in Bordeaux which use a special third-rail configuration in which the rail is only powered while a tram is on top of it. A few unusual systems like the River Line in New Jersey and the O-Train in Ottawa use diesel-powered trains，though this is sometimes intended as an interim measure until the funds to install electric power become available.DefinitionMost rail technologies，including high-speed，freight，commuter/ regional，and metro/subway are considered to be”heavy rail” in comparison. A few systems such as people movers and personal rapid transit could be considered as even”lighter，at least in terms of how many passengers are moved per vehicle and the speed at which they travel. Monorails are also considered to be a separate technology. Light rail systems can handle steeper inclines than heavy rail，and curves sharp enough to fit within street intersections. They are generally built in urban ar