10.0 Classification of Railway Systems

Question 1

It is defined as the speed the track alignment and corresponding railway infrastructure as a whole (superstructure, substructure, civil engineering structures, systems/premises) has been designed and constructed for.

Answer 1

Track design speed (Vd)

Question 2

It is defined as the maximum speed that may be developed on a railway track section at the time a given rolling stock is commissioned.

Answer 2

Permissible track speed (Vmaxtr)

Question 3

It is defined as the maximum speed developed by a particular train type on a given line, while performing a scheduled route.

Answer 3

Maximum running speed (Vmax)

Question 4

It is defined as the speed that is developed at the biggest part of the route (e.g., at 2/3 of the route length) by a particular train type while performing a scheduled route.

Answer 4

Operating speed (Vop)

Question 5

It is defined as the constant speed with which a train passes from a particular, characteristic segment of the line which is of small length (e.g., passing through a tunnel, passing through stations, etc.).

Answer 5

Passage speed (Vp)

Question 6

It is defined as the ratio of the length of a railway route (usually between the two terminals or between two important intermediate stations) to the time it takes to cover it, including halt times at all intermediate stations and delays.

Answer 6

Commercial speed (Vc)

Question 7

It is defined as the quotient of the length of a line segment (usually between two successive stations) to the time taken to pass this segment, considering normal traffic conditions (e.g., no unforeseen delays).

Answer 7

Average running speed (Var)

Question 8

It is defined as the maximum speed that, according to the manufacturer, can be developed by a particular type of locomotive, or with which a trailer vehicle can move, or, finally, the maximum speed that can be developed by a multiple unit of a given formation, taking into consideration the traction system (diesel or electric power), the hauled weight, the track geometry alignment design, and considering the track to be of very good ride quality.

Answer 8

Rolling stock design speed (Vrs)

Question 9

Serves trips greater than 150 km and usually links major urban centres. It comprises high-speed trains (Vmax ≥ 200 km/h, Vc ≥ 150 km/h) and conventional speed trains (Vmax < 200 km/h).

Answer 9

Interurban Railway

Question 10

• Is a railway means of transport usually running on electrified lines with characteristics adapted to commuter services within the impact limits of major urban areas (suburbs and satellite regional centres). Its range can exceed 100 km and may even reach up to 150 km.
• ‘Commuter (urban) railway’ covers 30-50 km.
• ‘Regional railway’ covers longer distances.

Answer 10

Suburban Railway

Question 11

• It serves small-distance connections with an important difference in altitude between the two edges of the railway line.
• They are separated into rack railways and cable-propelled railway systems.

Answer 11

Steep Gradient Railway

Question 12

It is the distance between the inner edges of the heads of the two rails measured at 14–16 mm below the rolling surface plane.

Answer 12

Track Gauge

Question 13

This category mainly comprises the 1435 mm gauge. This distance (4 feet and 8 inches) was established by the British engineer George Stephenson (1781–1848).

Answer 13

Standard tracks or standard track gauge

Question 14

This category mainly comprises the following gauges: 1,520/1,524 mm (former Soviet countries), 1,600 mm (Irish gauge), and 1,665 mm, 1,667 mm.

Answer 14

Broad tracks or broad track gauge

Question 15

This category mainly comprises the following gauges: 914 mm, 950 mm, 1,000 mm (meter gauge), 1,050 mm, 1,067 mm (Cape gauge).

Answer 15

Meter tracks or meter track gauge

Question 16

This category comprises gauges from 600 to 900 mm and mainly includes 600 mm (Decauville), 700 mm, 750 mm, and 760 mm (Bosnian gauge). These gauges are usually used for secondary lines (industrial areas, factory, mine service lines). Meter and narrow tracks are also termed as small gauge tracks.

Answer 16

Narrow tracks or narrow track gauge

Question 17

This category comprises tracks on which trains of different gauge categories may run simultaneously.

Answer 17

Mixed gauge tracks

Question 18

Commonly describes the routing of both freight and passenger trains on the same track.

Answer 18

mixed traffic operation

Question 19

Describes the exclusive routing of either passenger or freight trains on the track.

Answer 19

exclusively used or dedicated