LRT is a system of modern rail cars or a single rail car operating on a rail track in exclusive rights-of-way, or in the street with mixed traffic. Light rail cars commonly powered by an overhead catenary and electric line, or by an on-board diesel or electric motor. Main features include rail vehicles, rail tracks, overhead electric lines, modern rail stations, signal priority at intersections, and integration with transit-oriented development strategies.
An electrically propelled vehicle operated singly or in trains on predominantly reserved, but not necessarily grade-separated, rights-of-way. Compared to heavy (commuter) rail transit, LRT is characterized by smaller trains, shorter headways (time between trains on the same route), slower speeds, more frequent stops, and the possibility to operate in mixed traffic on surface streets.
Light rail transit uses smaller passenger vehicles powered by overhead wires. Light rail trains can operate within exclusive rights-of-way like railroad corridors or a freeway, or share street space with other vehicles, similar to a bus. LRT tracks are safe to cross because the power is overhead, so the tracks do not have to be grade-separated from other traffic. LRT usually operates in fully developed, urbanized areas, where it can penetrate congested areas like downtowns.
A transit system, generally at Grade, which runs on dedicated rail which may be on a protected or shared Right-of-Way (see also right-of-way). Sometimes called Light Rapid Transit.
A metropolitan electric railway system characterized by its ability to operate single cars or short trains along exclusive rights-of-way at ground level, on aerial structures, in subways or, occasionally, in streets, and to board and discharge multiple passengers at either the track or car-floor level.
A modern form of mass transit, usually several transit cars travelling together on a dedicated separate rail right of way from suburb to city.
A mode of transit that operates on steel rails and obtains its power from overhead electrical wires. LRT may operate in single or multiple cars on separate rights-of-way or in mixed traffic.
A railway ststem -- such as subway, trolley and monorail systems -- with generally lower ridership and shorter trips than heavy rail "commuter" trains. Light rail may use shared or have exclusive rights-of-way, high or low platform loading and multi-car trains or single cars. Light rail trains are almost always powered from an overhead electric traction line. Examples of light rail in New Jersey include the Newrk City subway and the Hudson/Bergen Light Rail Train system.