Train transportation is a common choice for those traveling between cities, whereas metro rail services are specifically designed for people in large cities and their suburbs. While many may consider metro and train to be the same or struggle to differentiate between them, there are several differences between the two forms of transportation that this article will discuss.
Key Takeaways
- Trains are longer and have higher load-carrying capacities
- Trains operate outside city limits and cover longer distances than metro trains
- Metro tracks can be on the surface, underground, or overhead, while train tracks are mostly on the surface
The idea behind metro rail is to provide a fast, efficient rapid transit system for city commuters who face difficulties due to a high number of vehicles on the road. Heavy traffic makes it challenging for people to reach their destinations on time, prompting governments to consider implementing special tracks within city limits, either underground, on the surface, or overhead, to operate trains that can move without interruptions, making travel within city limits easier and faster for residents. Metro rail, once limited to a few advanced countries, has now become a necessity in countries where metropolitan populations have increased significantly, causing immense pressure on city street traffic.
Metro tracks are often built underground to avoid clashing with city traffic. However, in some instances, administrations have space to lay tracks on the road. In certain situations where it is impossible to lay underground tracks, overhead tracks must be constructed. Metro stations are usually underground, with stairs built for people to exit the station to the surface. An efficient, fast metro network requires a network of buses to support the metro rail system.
