Semi-metro
Subclass of light rail. / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Semi-metro (also known as subway-surface[1][2][3][4] line or hybrid[5] streetcar/light rail line) is a form of public rail transport in which trams run partly on a conflict-free track, by using tunnels and/or viaducts.[6] These stretches of track are designed to function like a regular metro or rapid transit line.[7] Semi-metro lines run with tram cars because they are usually developed from an existing tram network.[8][9][10]
One key difference with metro/rapid transit is that semi-metro lines only partially run in tunnels and/or on viaducts.[11] A metro line does have a entirely conflict-free track, often by being completely grade separated. Semi-metro routes are operated by regular trams (with or without low floor) or with specially developed streetcars/tramcars (light rail vehicles), such as the Stadtbahn-car 'type B'.[12]