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In Canada and the United States, trams are commonly referred to as streetcars or trolleys.
Answer: True
Explanation: This terminology is widely adopted in North America for urban rail transit vehicles operating on tracks within city streets.
Trams are frequently categorized under the broader classification of light rail systems due to their operational similarities.
Answer: True
Explanation: Due to shared characteristics in design, operation, and infrastructure, trams are often considered a subset or closely related category within the broader definition of light rail systems.
What are the common terms used for trams in Canada and the United States?
Answer: Streetcars and Trolleys
Explanation: In North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, the terms 'streetcar' and 'trolley' are frequently used to refer to trams.
How are trams generally classified in relation to light rail systems?
Answer: Trams are frequently included within the broader category of light rail systems
Explanation: Due to their similarities in design and operation, trams are often classified as a type of light rail system, which encompasses various forms of urban rail transit operating on tracks.
What does the term 'trolley' refer to in the context of electric tram current collection?
Answer: A device like a pantograph, trolley pole, or bow collector used to gather current from overhead wires
Explanation: In the context of electric traction, the term 'trolley' commonly refers to the apparatus, such as a pantograph or trolley pole, used by a vehicle to collect electrical current from overhead wires.
From which language or region do the English terms 'tram' and 'tramway' originate?
Answer: Middle Flemish (via Scots)
Explanation: The English terms 'tram' and 'tramway' are etymologically linked to the Scots word 'tram', likely originating from Middle Flemish, and were initially associated with mining vehicles and their tracks.
What are the preferred terms for trams in North America, according to the source?
Answer: Commonly 'streetcar', 'trolley', or 'trolleycar'
Explanation: In North America, the terms 'streetcar', 'trolley', or 'trolleycar' are commonly used to refer to trams, reflecting regional linguistic preferences.
What is the key difference between a 'trolley' (in the tram context) and a 'trolleybus'?
Answer: A trolley runs on rails, while a trolleybus is a rubber-tired bus; both use overhead wires
Explanation: While both utilize overhead electrical power collection, a 'trolley' (in the tram sense) operates on rails, whereas a 'trolleybus' is a rubber-tired vehicle that runs on roads.
The decline of trams in the mid-20th century was mainly attributed to the development of jet engines for public transport.
Answer: False
Explanation: The decline of trams in the mid-20th century was primarily driven by advancements in buses and the widespread adoption of automobiles, not by the development of jet engines for public transport.
Since the 1980s, trams have seen a significant decrease in usage and popularity globally.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to a decrease, trams have experienced a significant resurgence in popularity and usage globally since the 1980s, often as part of sustainable urban transport initiatives.
Precursors to modern tramways included wooden wagonways used in central Europe as early as the 1500s.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical records indicate that early forms of guided trackways, such as wooden wagonways, were employed in central Europe from the 16th century onwards, serving as foundational elements for later tramway development.
The world's first passenger tram service, the Swansea and Mumbles Railway, began operation in 1807.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Swansea and Mumbles Railway in Wales, initially horse-drawn, commenced operations as a passenger service in 1807, marking it as the earliest known instance of such a service.
The American George Francis Train introduced the first tram line in Birkenhead, England, in 1860.
Answer: True
Explanation: George Francis Train, an American entrepreneur, was instrumental in establishing the first tram line in Birkenhead, England, during 1860, contributing to the early spread of tramway technology.
Street railways developed earlier in America primarily because their streets were generally better paved than European streets.
Answer: False
Explanation: Street railways developed earlier in America not because streets were better paved, but precisely because American streets were generally poorly paved, making horsebuses impractical. Rails provided a smoother transport solution.
The first authenticated streetcar in America, the New York and Harlem Railroad, began service in 1832.
Answer: True
Explanation: The New York and Harlem Railroad, established by John Stephenson, is recognized as the first authenticated streetcar service in the United States, commencing operations in 1832.
The first practical cable car line was tested in London in 1873.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first practical cable car line was tested in San Francisco in 1873, not London.
The world's first electric tram line operated in Paris, France, in 1875.
Answer: False
Explanation: The world's first electric tram line was operated in Sestroretsk, Russia, in 1875, not in Paris, France.
The Gross-Lichterfelde tramway near Berlin was the first public electric tramway used for permanent service.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Gross-Lichterfelde tramway, established in 1881 near Berlin, Germany, is recognized as the first public electric tramway intended for permanent service.
The first city-wide electric streetcar system in the United States was implemented in New York City in 1886.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first city-wide electric streetcar system in the United States was implemented in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1886, not in New York City.
Which factors contributed significantly to the decline of trams in the mid-20th century?
Answer: Improvements in buses and the increasing popularity of automobiles
Explanation: The mid-20th century saw a decline in tram usage, largely influenced by the widespread adoption of automobiles and advancements in bus technology, which offered greater flexibility and perceived convenience.
What trend has been observed regarding trams globally since the 1980s?
Answer: A resurgence in popularity and usage
Explanation: Since the 1980s, many cities worldwide have reinvested in and expanded their tram networks, reflecting a global trend of resurgence driven by factors such as environmental sustainability and urban mobility needs.
Which of the following were identified as precursors to modern tramways?
Answer: Wooden wagonways and paved Roman trackways
Explanation: Historical track systems, including wooden wagonways dating back to the 1500s and paved trackways utilized by the Romans, are recognized as precursors that informed the development of modern tramways.
What was the world's first passenger tram service, and where was it located?
Answer: The Swansea and Mumbles Railway, Wales (1807)
Explanation: The Swansea and Mumbles Railway in Wales, initiated in 1807, is documented as the world's first passenger tram service.
Who introduced the first tram line in Birkenhead, England, in 1860?
Answer: An American named George Francis Train
Explanation: The American entrepreneur George Francis Train is credited with introducing the first tram line in Birkenhead, England, in the year 1860.
Why did street railways develop earlier in American cities compared to European cities?
Answer: American cities lacked suitable roads for horsebuses, making rails a necessity for smoother rides
Explanation: The development of street railways was accelerated in American cities due to the generally poor condition of their roads, which rendered horse-drawn omnibuses inefficient and uncomfortable. Rails provided a more stable and smoother mode of transport.
Which line is considered the first authenticated streetcar service in America, and where did it operate?
Answer: The New York and Harlem Railroad in New York City
Explanation: The New York and Harlem Railroad, which commenced service in 1832, is recognized as the first authenticated streetcar service in the United States.
In which city was the first practical cable car line tested in 1873?
Answer: San Francisco
Explanation: The inaugural practical cable car line was successfully tested in San Francisco in the year 1873.
Where did the world's first electric tram line operate?
Answer: Sestroretsk, Russia
Explanation: The inaugural electric tram line was operational in Sestroretsk, Russia, near Saint Petersburg, in 1875.
Which tramway is recognized as the first public electric tramway used for permanent service?
Answer: Gross-Lichterfelde tramway, Berlin
Explanation: The Gross-Lichterfelde tramway, established in 1881 near Berlin, Germany, holds the distinction of being the first public electric tramway intended for permanent service.
In which U.S. city was the first city-wide electric streetcar system implemented in 1886?
Answer: Montgomery, Alabama
Explanation: The distinction of hosting the first city-wide electric streetcar system in the United States belongs to Montgomery, Alabama, which implemented this system in 1886.
What does the 'General Motors streetcar conspiracy' theory suggest?
Answer: GM conspired to dismantle US tram systems to promote automobile and bus sales
Explanation: The 'General Motors streetcar conspiracy' theory posits that General Motors and associated companies engaged in a deliberate effort to dismantle urban tram systems in the United States to foster the market for automobiles and buses.
The most common method for electric trams to draw power involves using a shoe that contacts a third rail.
Answer: False
Explanation: The predominant method for electric trams to draw power involves overhead lines, typically utilizing a pantograph. While third rail systems exist, they are not the most common method.
Trams can be equipped with dual power systems to allow operation on electricity within cities and switch to diesel power in rural settings.
Answer: True
Explanation: Some trams are designed with dual power capabilities, enabling them to utilize electric power from overhead lines within urban areas and transition to diesel engines for operation in environments where electrical infrastructure may be absent or impractical.
A significant limitation of horse-drawn trams was the minimal care required for the horses.
Answer: False
Explanation: A significant limitation of horse-drawn trams was the extensive care required for the horses, including feeding, grooming, housing, and the disposal of manure, alongside their limited working hours.
The two main types of steam-powered trams featured either a small steam locomotive or an engine enclosed within the tram body.
Answer: True
Explanation: Steam trams were primarily configured either as trains pulled by a small locomotive or as self-propelled units where the steam engine was integrated within the tram's body.
Steam tram engines were modified with exposed wheels and machinery to improve visibility for the driver on city streets.
Answer: False
Explanation: Steam tram engines were typically modified with enclosed wheels and machinery for safety and noise reduction, rather than being exposed.
Cable cars were pulled along tracks by a moving steel cable running in a slot below street level.
Answer: True
Explanation: The fundamental principle of cable car operation involved gripping a continuously moving steel cable, typically housed in a conduit beneath the street, to propel the vehicle along the track.
Cable cars were particularly effective in hilly cities because their driven wheels maintained excellent traction on steep inclines.
Answer: False
Explanation: Cable cars were effective in hilly cities because their nondriven wheels maintained traction, and the moving cable provided control on inclines and descents, rather than relying solely on driven wheel traction.
High infrastructure costs and the need for skilled operators were significant drawbacks of cable-hauled tram systems.
Answer: True
Explanation: The complex underground machinery, extensive cable network, and specialized maintenance required for cable car systems resulted in substantial infrastructure costs and a demand for skilled personnel.
Trams were powered by internal combustion engines, primarily using diesel fuel, with petrol (gasoline) being a less common alternative.
Answer: False
Explanation: While both petrol (gasoline) and diesel engines were used for trams, the source suggests petrol was a common power source, with diesel employed in specific circumstances, rather than diesel being primary and petrol less common.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some trams utilized natural gas or propane as a power source.
Answer: False
Explanation: While some trams utilized various forms of gas, such as coal gas or naphtha gas, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the source does not specifically mention natural gas or propane as power sources.
The Mödling and Hinterbrühl Tram, opened near Vienna in 1883, was the first to use electricity supplied by an overhead line with trolley poles.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Mödling and Hinterbrühl Tram opened in 1883 and used overhead electricity, it was the first in regular service to employ pantograph current collectors, not trolley poles.
Which of the following is the most common method for electric trams to draw power?
Answer: Overhead lines using a pantograph
Explanation: The most prevalent method for electric trams to obtain power is through overhead lines, typically accessed via a pantograph collector.
What is a primary purpose of equipping trams with dual power systems?
Answer: To permit operation on electricity within city streets and switch to diesel power in rural environments
Explanation: Dual power systems allow trams to operate using electricity in urban areas with overhead lines and switch to diesel power in rural or non-electrified zones, enhancing operational flexibility.
What was a major drawback associated with operating horse-drawn trams?
Answer: The horses had limited working hours and required significant daily care and disposal of manure
Explanation: The operational limitations of horse-drawn trams were substantial, including the horses' restricted working hours, the necessity for extensive daily care (feeding, grooming), and the logistical challenge of managing manure.
What were the two primary configurations for steam-powered trams?
Answer: Separate steam locomotives and steam engines enclosed within the tram body
Explanation: Steam trams were typically configured either with a dedicated steam locomotive pulling the carriages or with the steam engine integrated directly into the tram's structure, often referred to as a 'tram engine'.
Why were modifications like enclosing wheels and machinery made to steam tram engines?
Answer: For safety reasons and to reduce noise during street running
Explanation: Modifications such as enclosing the wheels and machinery of steam tram engines were implemented primarily to enhance safety for passengers and bystanders and to mitigate operational noise in urban environments.
How were cable cars primarily propelled?
Answer: By a moving steel cable located beneath the street surface
Explanation: Cable cars utilized a system where vehicles were propelled by gripping a continuously moving steel cable situated within a conduit beneath the street surface.
What characteristic made cable cars particularly suitable for hilly urban environments?
Answer: The moving cable assisted in controlling speed downhill and nondriven wheels maintained traction
Explanation: Cable cars excelled in hilly terrain because their nondriven wheels maintained consistent traction, while the powered cable provided crucial control for both ascending and descending steep gradients.
What were significant disadvantages of cable car systems?
Answer: High infrastructure costs and the need for skilled operators
Explanation: Cable car systems were characterized by substantial infrastructure investment and the requirement for specialized personnel to operate and maintain the complex machinery, representing significant drawbacks.
What types of internal combustion engines were used to power trams?
Answer: Both petrol (gasoline) and diesel engines were utilized
Explanation: Trams powered by internal combustion engines employed both petrol (gasoline) and diesel engines, with the choice often influenced by operational context and specific environmental conditions.
Besides petrol and diesel, what alternative gaseous fuels were used for some trams in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
Answer: Coal gas, naphtha gas, and gas
Explanation: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, certain tram systems utilized gaseous fuels such as coal gas and naphtha gas as alternative power sources.
What was significant about the Mödling and Hinterbrühl Tram, opened in 1883?
Answer: It was the first tram in regular service to use an overhead line with pantograph current collectors
Explanation: The Mödling and Hinterbrühl Tram, operational from 1883, marked a significant technological advancement by being the first tram in regular service to utilize electricity supplied via an overhead line equipped with pantograph current collectors.
Tram vehicles are generally lighter and shorter than vehicles used on main line railways or rapid transit systems.
Answer: True
Explanation: Compared to rolling stock for heavy rail or rapid transit, tram vehicles are typically designed to be lighter and shorter to navigate urban environments and shared street space more effectively.
A tram-train is designed exclusively for use on urban tram tracks and cannot operate on mainline railway lines.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tram-trains are specifically designed to operate on both urban tramway tracks and segments of mainline railway lines, offering greater flexibility and connectivity between urban and regional networks.
The low rolling resistance of steel wheels on steel rails historically allowed trams to haul heavier loads with less effort.
Answer: True
Explanation: The inherent low friction between steel wheels and steel rails provides a significant mechanical advantage, enabling vehicles like trams to transport substantial loads with relatively minimal motive force.
Frank J. Sprague's innovations significantly advanced electric tram systems by developing multiple unit control and improving overhead power collection.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frank J. Sprague's contributions, including multiple unit control for operating several cars simultaneously and enhancements to overhead power collection systems, were pivotal in the widespread adoption and efficiency of electric trams.
Compared to main line or rapid transit trains, what are the typical physical characteristics of tram vehicles?
Answer: They are lighter and shorter
Explanation: Tram vehicles are generally designed to be lighter and shorter than rolling stock used for main line railways or rapid transit systems, facilitating maneuverability in urban settings.
What distinguishes a tram-train from a standard tram according to the source?
Answer: A tram-train can operate on segments of mainline railway tracks in addition to tram networks
Explanation: A key characteristic of tram-trains is their capability to traverse both urban tramway infrastructure and mainline railway lines, enabling integrated regional and urban transit.
What significant advantage did steel wheels on steel rails offer for early trams?
Answer: The ability to haul heavier loads with less effort due to low rolling resistance
Explanation: The low rolling resistance inherent in the steel wheel-on-steel rail interface allowed early trams to transport substantial loads with considerably less energy expenditure compared to other contemporary transport methods.
What key innovation by Frank J. Sprague significantly boosted the adoption of electric tram systems?
Answer: The development of multiple unit control and improved overhead systems
Explanation: Frank J. Sprague's development of multiple unit control, enabling single-operator control of multiple cars, and his improvements to overhead power collection systems were crucial advancements that accelerated the widespread adoption of electric trams.
What was a primary safety concern with early electric tram power collection systems like Siemens'?
Answer: Risk of electric shocks from drawing current directly from the rails
Explanation: Early electric tram systems that drew current directly from the rails posed a significant safety hazard, increasing the risk of electric shocks to individuals and animals interacting with the tracks.
How did 'conduit current collection' work in early electric tram systems?
Answer: A 'plough' connected the vehicle to a live rail within a conduit beneath the street
Explanation: Conduit current collection involved a 'plough' mechanism that extended from the tram into an underground conduit, drawing electrical power from a live rail situated within it.
What does the term 'green track' refer to in tramway construction?
Answer: An ecological approach where tracks are embedded into grass turf
Explanation: In tramway construction, a 'green track' denotes an environmentally conscious design where the tracks are integrated into grass turf, contributing to urban aesthetics and ecological benefits.
Who invented the grooved rail for tramways, and what was its main benefit?
Answer: Alphonse Loubat; enabled easier track laying in streets
Explanation: Alphonse Loubat invented the grooved rail in 1852, a significant innovation that facilitated the installation of tram tracks within existing street surfaces, minimizing disruption to other traffic.
How do automatic point-setting systems typically function for trams?
Answer: Onboard computers use downloaded route information to actuate points automatically
Explanation: Automatic point-setting systems for trams typically rely on onboard computers that access route data and automatically adjust track switches as the tram approaches its destination or junction.
Why is standard gauge often preferred for modern light rail systems?
Answer: It allows for the use of standard railway maintenance equipment and easier vehicle delivery
Explanation: Standard gauge is favored in modern light rail systems due to its compatibility with standard railway maintenance equipment, simplified vehicle logistics via freight rail, and the potential for increased internal space within the wheels for low-floor designs.
The New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad, established in 1835, is the American streetcar line still operating today.
Answer: True
Explanation: The New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad, founded in 1835, continues its operational legacy today as the St. Charles Streetcar Line, making it one of the oldest continuously operating streetcar lines in the United States.
Volk's Electric Railway in Brighton, UK, opened in 1883, is considered the oldest operating electric tramway in the world.
Answer: True
Explanation: Volk's Electric Railway, operational since its opening in 1883 in Brighton, UK, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating electric tramway.
Which historic American streetcar line, established in 1835, continues to operate today?
Answer: The St. Charles Streetcar Line (formerly New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad)
Explanation: The St. Charles Streetcar Line in New Orleans, which originated as the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad established in 1835, is a historic American streetcar line that remains operational.
Which electric railway, opened in 1883, is considered the world's oldest operating electric tramway?
Answer: Volk's Electric Railway, Brighton, UK
Explanation: Volk's Electric Railway in Brighton, UK, which commenced operation in 1883, is recognized globally as the oldest electric tramway that remains in operation.
What distinction does the Melbourne tram system hold globally?
Answer: It is the largest urban tram network by route length
Explanation: The tram network in Melbourne, Australia, is recognized internationally as the world's largest urban tram network based on its extensive route length.
Which city's tram system was historically the world's largest at its peak, and when was this?
Answer: Paris, France (1925)
Explanation: Historically, the Paris tram system achieved its peak size, becoming the world's largest, with approximately 1,111 kilometers of track in 1925.
What makes the Belgian Coast Tram (Kusttram) notable?
Answer: It is the longest single tram line and route in the world, running along the Belgian coast
Explanation: The Belgian Coast Tram (Kusttram) is distinguished as the world's longest single tram line, extending approximately 68 kilometers along the Belgian coastline.
Where is the world's longest urban intracity tram line located?
Answer: Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
Explanation: The world's longest urban intracity tram line, measuring 33 kilometers, is located in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, comprising its counter-ring routes 5/5a.
Which of the following cities is listed as having one of the largest tram and light rail systems in Europe by route length?
Answer: Budapest, Hungary
Explanation: Budapest, Hungary, is cited among European cities with extensive tram and light rail systems, ranking among the largest in terms of route length.
Which of the following is NOT a typical route pattern mentioned for tram systems?
Answer: Routes that exclusively follow major river courses
Explanation: Typical tram route patterns include radial, loop, and tangential configurations, designed to serve urban and suburban connectivity needs. Routes exclusively following major river courses are not commonly cited as a standard pattern.
Which of the following is an advantage of trams compared to buses, according to the source?
Answer: Trams offer better energy efficiency due to lower rolling resistance and often have higher capacity
Explanation: Trams possess several advantages over buses, including superior energy efficiency stemming from lower rolling resistance, higher passenger capacity, and often a longer operational lifespan.
What is a potential hazard associated with tram tracks?
Answer: They can become slippery when wet, posing risks to vehicles
Explanation: Tram tracks can present a hazard, particularly when wet, as they can become slippery, increasing the risk of skidding for bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles.