List of rapid transit systems

This is an alphabetical list of cities worldwide that have a rapid transit system, or a light-rail system with some elements of rapid transit. Such systems are commonly called metros, subways, elevated railways, heavy rail, rapid rail, or underground railways; see passenger rail terminology for more information.

Related Topics:
Rapid transit - Light-rail - Passenger rail terminology

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Rapid transit (heavy rail) is generally defined by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) as "high-speed, passenger rail cars operating singly or in trains of two or more cars on fixed rails in separate right-of-way from which all other vehicular and foot traffic are excluded. http://www.apta.com/links/transit_by_mode/heavyrail.cfm. This generally does not include "other" rail modes such as aerial tramways, automated guideway transit, cable cars, inclined planes tramway, or monorails.

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Most light rail systems and commuter rail sytems, are not included here but are in list of light-rail transit systems. Some systems which provide metro service using light-rail vehicles or in some other way have elements of both may be in both lists.

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There is also a list of suburban and commuter rail systems and a list of airport circulators (many of which are rapid transit-like).

Related Topics:
List of suburban and commuter rail systems - List of airport circulators

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