English

Noun

light rail ‎(plural light rails)

1. (US, transport) A kind of rail passenger transport with a dedicated right of way, but crossing streets at grade, usually for commuters, powered by electricity, and with lower construction costs than traditional railroads.

   The new Denver light rail runs along the Interstate highway.

Usage notes

• Streetcars (or trolleys) did not have their own rights of way. Traditional railroad commuter lines would have high construction costs. Interurban electric railroads were not much used for commuter service. Subways and other rapid transit, with few or no grade crossings, also have high construction costs.

Synonyms

• light railway (British)
• LR (abbreviation)
• light rail system
• light rail transit
• light rail transport system
• light train

Derived terms

• ultra light rail

See also

• tramway

Translations