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Rapid transit systems are exclusively known as 'metro' in all urban areas globally.
Answer: False
While 'metro' is a common term, rapid transit systems are also known by various other names globally, including 'subway,' 'U-Bahn,' 'heavy rail,' 'MRT,' and 'el train,' depending on the region and system characteristics.
In most of Britain, the term 'subway' refers to an underground rail system, similar to how it is used in New York City.
Answer: False
In most of Britain, the term 'subway' typically refers to a pedestrian underpass. The underground rail system in London is known as the 'Underground' or the 'Tube'.
The term 'MRT' always stands for 'Mass Rapid Transit' across all countries in Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
Answer: False
The meaning of 'MRT' varies by country. For example, in Indonesia it stands for 'Moda Raya Terpadu,' and in the Philippines, it means 'Metro Rail Transit'.
Commuter rail systems always operate at higher frequencies and with more stops than urban rapid transit.
Answer: False
Commuter rail systems typically operate at lower frequencies with more widely spaced stations than urban rapid transit, allowing for higher average speeds over longer distances.
A 'premetro' design involves building a full rapid transit system in the city center and extending it as a light rail system into the suburbs.
Answer: True
A 'premetro' design is a hybrid approach that builds an underground rapid transit system in the city center while utilizing a light rail or tram system in the suburbs.
The London Underground is commonly referred to as the 'subway' in Britain.
Answer: False
The London Underground is specifically known as the 'Underground' or 'Tube.' In most of Britain, 'subway' refers to a pedestrian underpass.
Which of the following is NOT a common alternative name for rapid transit?
Answer: Light rail transit (LRT)
Mass rapid transit (MRT), rail rapid transit (RRT), and heavy rail are all common alternative names for rapid transit. Light rail transit (LRT), while related, is a distinct category of urban rail, often with different operational characteristics.
What does 'MRT' stand for in Indonesia?
Answer: Moda Raya Terpadu
In Indonesia, the acronym 'MRT' stands for 'Moda Raya Terpadu,' which translates to 'Integrated Mass Transit Mode'.
Which of the following is an example of a rapid transit system in North America referred to as 'the El' or 'the L'?
Answer: Chicago 'L'
In North America, elevated systems are often called 'the El' or 'the L,' with the Chicago 'L' being a prominent example.
What is the typical understanding of the term 'subway' in most of Britain?
Answer: A pedestrian underpass
In most of Britain, the term 'subway' typically refers to a pedestrian underpass, not an underground rail system like the London 'Underground' or 'Tube'.
What is the term used for rapid transit systems in Italy?
Answer: Metropolitana
In Italy, the term 'metropolitana' is used for rapid transit systems found in cities such as Rome, Milan, and Naples.
What is a key difference between commuter rail and urban rapid transit systems?
Answer: Commuter rail generally operates at lower frequencies and higher average speeds.
A key difference is that commuter rail systems typically operate at lower frequencies with more widely spaced stations, allowing for higher average speeds to serve outer suburbs, whereas urban rapid transit has high frequency and frequent stops.
What kind of systems are German S-Bahns, Jakarta's KRL Commuterline, and Mumbai Suburban Railway sometimes considered to function as?
Answer: Substitutes for a city's rapid transit
Although technically commuter rail, systems like German S-Bahns and the Mumbai Suburban Railway provide frequent mass transit within the city, effectively functioning as a substitute for a dedicated rapid transit system.
In Germany and Austria, rapid transit systems are known as 'U-Bahn'. What other rail systems often support them?
Answer: S-Bahn systems
In Germany and Austria, 'U-Bahn' systems are frequently supported by 'S-Bahn' systems, which are typically suburban rail networks that integrate with the urban rapid transit.
What is the term used for rapid transit systems in large French cities like Paris and Marseille?
Answer: Métro
In large French cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, the term 'métro' is used for their rapid transit systems.
Which of the following cities is NOT mentioned as using the term 'métro' or 'metro' for its rapid transit system in France or the Netherlands?
Answer: Berlin
Paris, Lille, and Amsterdam all use the term 'métro' or 'metro'. Berlin, being in Germany, uses the term 'U-Bahn' for its rapid transit system.
Which of the following cities is NOT mentioned as having an 'U-Bahn' system in Germany or Austria?
Answer: Frankfurt
The source material lists Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Nuremberg as German cities with U-Bahn systems, but does not mention Frankfurt.
What is a common term for elevated rapid transit systems, besides 'el trains' or 'skytrains'?
Answer: Overhead
In addition to 'el trains' and 'skytrains,' elevated rapid transit systems are also referred to by terms such as 'overhead,' 'overground,' or 'Hochbahn' in German.
What is the term for elevated rapid transit systems, short for 'elevated'?
Answer: El trains
Elevated rapid transit systems are often called 'el trains,' which is a shortened form of the word 'elevated'.
The Metropolitan Railway in London, the world's first rapid transit system, was initially powered by electricity.
Answer: False
The Metropolitan Railway, which opened in 1863, was initially powered by steam locomotives. The world's first electric-traction rapid transit railway was the City & South London Railway, which opened later in 1890.
The first elevated railway system in New York, the West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, was initially powered by electric motors.
Answer: False
New York's first elevated railway, which opened in 1868, was initially a cable-hauled line powered by stationary steam engines, not electric motors.
The City & South London Railway introduced the term 'Subway' into railway terminology when it opened in 1890.
Answer: True
The City & South London Railway, the world's first electric-traction rapid transit system, was intended to be called the 'City and South London Subway,' thereby introducing the term into railway terminology.
The first stretch of underground urban railway in Latin America opened in Rio de Janeiro in 1913.
Answer: False
The first stretch of underground urban railway in Latin America opened in Buenos Aires in 1913, not Rio de Janeiro.
In which year did the world's first rapid transit system, the Metropolitan Railway in London, open?
Answer: 1863
The world's first rapid transit system, the Metropolitan Railway in London, opened to the public in 1863.
What was a significant issue with early steam-hauled rapid transit systems?
Answer: They had significant ventilation issues.
Early experiences with steam-hauled rapid transit, such as London's Metropolitan Railway, were unpleasant due to significant ventilation issues caused by the steam engines.
What was the initial power source for New York's first elevated railway, the West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway?
Answer: Cable-hauled with stationary steam engines
New York's first elevated railway, opened in 1868, was initially a cable-hauled line powered by stationary steam engines.
Which city's rapid transit system introduced the term 'Subway' into railway terminology?
Answer: City & South London
The City & South London Railway, which opened in 1890, was intended to be called the 'City and South London Subway,' thereby introducing the term 'Subway' into railway terminology.
When did the first stretch of underground urban railway open in Latin America?
Answer: 1913
The first stretch of underground urban railway in Latin America opened in Buenos Aires in 1913 as part of Line A of the Buenos Aires Underground.
The 'hump' technique in deep tunnels helps improve energy efficiency by using gravity to assist train acceleration and braking.
Answer: True
The 'hump' technique involves designing tracks with a dip between stations, allowing gravity to assist trains as they accelerate and brake, which improves energy efficiency and operational performance.
Elevated railways have seen a decline in popularity since the late 20th century due to their high construction costs.
Answer: False
Elevated railways experienced a resurgence in popularity in the last quarter of the 20th century because they are a cheaper and easier alternative to building expensive tunnels.
The two primary methods for constructing underground rapid transit lines are 'cut-and-cover' and 'blasting-and-bore'.
Answer: False
The two primary methods for constructing underground rapid transit lines are 'cut-and-cover' and 'bored tunneling'.
What is the primary method for constructing underground rapid transit lines that involves excavating city streets, building a tunnel structure, and then refilling?
Answer: Cut-and-cover
The 'cut-and-cover' method involves excavating a trench in a city street, constructing a tunnel structure within it, and then refilling the trench to restore the roadway.
What is a key benefit of building tunnels for rapid transit in urban areas?
Answer: They free up valuable land for buildings and other uses.
A key benefit of tunneling is that it moves traffic away from street level, freeing up valuable land for buildings and other uses, which is particularly advantageous in areas with high land prices.
What is the 'hump' technique in deep tunnels designed to improve?
Answer: Energy efficiency and operational performance
The 'hump' technique, where tracks dip between stations, is designed to improve energy efficiency and operational performance by using gravity to assist with acceleration and braking.
What is one reason elevated railways experienced a resurgence in popularity in the late 20th century?
Answer: They are a cheaper and easier alternative to building expensive tunnels.
Elevated railways saw a resurgence in popularity because they are a cheaper and easier alternative to constructing expensive tunnels, especially in areas with challenging ground conditions like high water tables.
What is the primary method for constructing underground rapid transit lines that minimizes surface disruption but may encounter groundwater issues?
Answer: Bored tunneling
Bored tunneling minimizes surface disruption compared to cut-and-cover, but it can be complicated by factors such as encountering groundwater or needing to blast through bedrock.
Rubber-tired rapid transit systems are known for their lower maintenance costs and higher energy efficiency compared to conventional railway tracks.
Answer: False
Rubber-tired rapid transit systems have higher maintenance costs and are less energy-efficient than conventional systems, although they offer quieter operation and can handle steeper inclines.
GoA 4, or unattended train operation (UTO), means that rapid transit trains operate with no crew on board.
Answer: True
Grade of Automation 4 (GoA 4), or unattended train operation (UTO), signifies completely unstaffed trains where all operational functions are automated.
Rapid transit systems typically use either an overhead line or a third rail for traction power.
Answer: True
Virtually all modern rapid transit trains are electric, with traction power supplied through one of two main forms: an overhead line or a third rail mounted at track level.
Converting existing rapid transit lines to fully automated operation typically requires no shutdown of operations.
Answer: False
A significant obstacle to converting existing lines to fully automated operation is the potential necessity for a complete shutdown of services during the conversion process.
What is the primary method of power delivery for rapid transit trains that involves a conductor rail mounted at track level?
Answer: A third rail
A third rail, which is a conductor rail mounted at track level and contacted by a sliding 'pickup shoe,' is one of the two main methods for supplying traction power to electric rapid transit trains.
What is one significant obstacle to converting existing rapid transit lines to fully automated operation?
Answer: Potential necessity for a complete shutdown of operations
A major obstacle to automating existing rapid transit lines is the potential need for a complete shutdown of service during the conversion process, which can be highly disruptive.
Which of the following is NOT a common alternative technology sometimes employed in rapid transit systems?
Answer: Diesel-electric hybrid engines
While most systems use conventional rail, some employ alternative technologies like guided rubber tires, maglev, or monorails. Diesel engines are not used due to ventilation and environmental concerns in urban systems.
Which Grade of Automation (GoA) signifies completely unstaffed trains in rapid transit systems?
Answer: GoA 4 (UTO)
Grade of Automation 4 (GoA 4), or Unattended Train Operation (UTO), signifies completely unstaffed trains where all operational functions are automated without any crew on board.
What does 'GoA 2' in rapid transit automation refer to?
Answer: Semi-automatic Train Operation (STO)
Grade of Automation 2 (GoA 2), or Semi-automatic Train Operation (STO), involves a crew member who is responsible for door closure while the train's movement is automated.
What does 'GoA 3' in rapid transit automation refer to?
Answer: Driverless Train Operation (DTO)
Grade of Automation 3 (GoA 3), or Driverless Train Operation (DTO), features a 'passenger service agent' on board who is not actively driving but manages doors and assists passengers.
Which of the following is a disadvantage of rubber-tired rapid transit systems?
Answer: Less energy-efficient
Disadvantages of rubber-tired rapid transit systems include higher maintenance costs and lower energy efficiency compared to conventional steel-wheel systems.
What is the primary method of power delivery for virtually all rapid transit trains today, besides an overhead line?
Answer: A third rail
The two main forms of delivering traction power to electric rapid transit trains are an overhead line and a third rail mounted at track level.
Modern rapid transit systems typically operate on an exclusive right-of-way, preventing access by pedestrians or other vehicles.
Answer: True
A fundamental characteristic of modern rapid transit systems is their operation on an exclusive right-of-way, which ensures that their tracks are not accessible to pedestrians or other vehicles.
Rapid transit systems are rarely integrated with other public transport services and are usually operated by separate authorities.
Answer: False
Rapid transit systems are generally integrated with other forms of public transport, such as buses or trams, and are often operated by the same public transport authorities to create a cohesive network.
Rapid transit systems are primarily designed for inter-city travel over long distances at low frequency.
Answer: False
Rapid transit systems are designed for local transport within urban areas, aiming to efficiently move large numbers of people over short distances at high frequency.
Platform screen doors (PSDs) in rapid transit stations primarily serve to reduce noise levels on platforms.
Answer: False
While platform screen doors (PSDs) can contribute to reducing ventilation costs, their primary function is to enhance safety by preventing people from falling onto the tracks.
The capacity of a rapid transit line is calculated by multiplying the car capacity, the train length, and the service frequency.
Answer: True
The capacity of a rapid transit line is determined by the product of three factors: the capacity of each car, the number of cars per train (train length), and the number of trains per hour (service frequency).
Rapid transit operators often develop a single corporate image for the entire transit authority, without distinct logos for the rapid transit component.
Answer: False
While a single corporate image may exist for the entire transit authority, the rapid transit component typically has its own distinct logo for easy recognition.
The primary function of rapid transit stations is to provide retail and dining options for commuters.
Answer: False
The primary functions of rapid transit stations are to allow passengers to board and disembark trains, act as payment checkpoints, and facilitate transfers to other modes of transport.
Which of the following is a benefit of a rough grid pattern in rapid transit network topologies?
Answer: It provides a wide array of routes while maintaining reasonable speed and frequency.
A rough grid pattern in a rapid transit network is beneficial because it provides a wide array of routes for passengers while maintaining reasonable speed and frequency of service.
What is the primary purpose of Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) in rapid transit stations?
Answer: To prevent people from falling onto the tracks.
The primary purpose of Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) is to enhance passenger safety by creating a physical barrier that prevents people from falling onto the tracks.
What is the primary purpose of rapid transit systems in urban areas?
Answer: To efficiently transport large numbers of people over short distances at high frequency
The primary purpose of rapid transit systems is to serve as a backbone for urban mobility by efficiently transporting large numbers of people over relatively short distances at high frequency.
What is a common security measure implemented in rapid transit systems, often integrated with revenue protection?
Answer: Specialized transit police forces
To address security concerns, some countries establish specialized transit police forces, and these security efforts are often integrated with revenue protection measures like checking for fare evasion.
What is a common configuration for rapid transit lines that allows for higher service frequency in the central area?
Answer: A line running through the city center that branches into two or more lines in the suburbs.
A common network configuration involves a central line that branches into multiple lines in the suburbs. This design allows for a higher frequency of service in the more densely populated central area.
What is a primary function of rapid transit stations?
Answer: To facilitate transfers between different modes of transport.
A primary function of rapid transit stations is to serve as crucial hubs that facilitate transfers between different modes of transport, such as buses or other train lines.
What is the primary benefit of high platforms in rapid transit stations?
Answer: They enable step-free access between the platform and the train.
High platforms are a common feature of rapid transit stations because they enable step-free access between the platform and the train, improving accessibility for all passengers.
Which of the following is a fundamental operational characteristic of modern rapid transit systems?
Answer: They operate on an exclusive right-of-way.
A fundamental characteristic of modern rapid transit systems is that they operate on an exclusive right-of-way, meaning their tracks are grade-separated and inaccessible to pedestrians or other vehicles.
How do rapid transit operators typically differentiate their multiple routes within a system?
Answer: By using colors, names, numbering, or a combination.
Most rapid transit systems differentiate their multiple routes using a combination of colors, names, and numbering to help passengers navigate the network.
What is the approximate typical passenger capacity per hour per direction for a rapid transit line, excluding high-capacity East Asian systems?
Answer: 36,000 passengers
A typical rapid transit line can carry about 36,000 passengers per hour per direction, although some high-capacity systems in East Asia can carry significantly more.
Which of the following is NOT a factor influencing the topological design of rapid transit networks?
Answer: The color scheme of train cars
The topological design of rapid transit networks is shaped by factors like geography, travel patterns, costs, and politics. The color scheme of train cars is a branding element, not a factor in network design.
What is one way modern rapid transit systems leverage technology to provide passenger information?
Answer: Through online maps, timetables, and real-time arrival info via internet/cell phones.
Modern rapid transit systems leverage the internet and cell phones to offer passengers online maps, timetables, and real-time arrival information, often through standardized data formats for third-party applications.
The Shanghai Metro holds the record for the world's largest single rapid transit service provider by number of stations.
Answer: False
As of 2021, the New York City Subway is the largest single rapid transit service provider by number of stations (472), while the Shanghai Metro holds the record for the longest route length.
As of 2021, China operates the largest number of rapid transit systems globally.
Answer: True
As of 2021, China has the largest number of rapid transit systems in the world, totaling 40, and has been the global leader in metro expansion.
The deepest metro system in the world is located in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Answer: False
The deepest metro system in the world is in St. Petersburg, Russia. While Kyiv's Arsenalna station is one of the deepest in the world, the overall system in St. Petersburg is deeper.
Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) was the first system globally to provide full mobile phone reception in its underground stations and tunnels.
Answer: True
The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system was the first in the world to provide full mobile phone reception in its underground stations and tunnels, a feature introduced in 1989.
What is the deepest metro system in the world?
Answer: St. Petersburg Metro
The deepest metro system in the world is located in St. Petersburg, Russia, where geological conditions necessitate that stations and tunnels are built at extreme depths, some as deep as 100-120 meters.
As of 2021, which rapid transit system holds the record for the world's longest single-operator rapid transit system by route length?
Answer: Shanghai Metro
As of 2021, the Shanghai Metro holds the record for the world's longest single-operator rapid transit system by route length.
Which country has led the world in metro expansion in the 21st century?
Answer: China
In the 21st century, China has become the world's leader in metro expansion, with almost 60 cities operating, constructing, or planning a rapid transit system as of 2021.
Which of the following cities is known for its rapid transit stations featuring splendid decorations like marble walls and mosaics?
Answer: Moscow
Cities in the former Soviet Union, particularly Moscow, are renowned for their beautiful metro stations, which feature splendid decorations such as marble walls, polished granite floors, and mosaics.
What is the approximate depth of some stations and tunnels in the St. Petersburg metro system?
Answer: 100-120 meters
Due to geological conditions, some stations and tunnels in the St. Petersburg metro system lie as deep as 100–120 meters (330–390 feet) below the surface.
A residential housing density of at least five dwelling units per acre is estimated to be necessary to support rapid rail services.
Answer: False
Transportation planners estimate that a residential housing density of twelve dwelling units per acre, not five, is necessary to adequately support rapid rail services.
The environmental benefits of rapid transit systems include a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to extensive road transport.
Answer: True
Rapid transit systems have a lower environmental impact than extensive road transport systems and have been shown to lead to a massive reduction in CO2 emissions.
Rapid transit systems are generally not feasible in low-density communities.
Answer: True
The success and viability of mass transit systems depend on urban land-use planning, as they are not feasible in low-density communities that cannot provide sufficient ridership.
What is the estimated residential housing density necessary to adequately support rapid rail services?
Answer: Twelve dwelling units per acre
Transportation planners estimate that a residential housing density of twelve dwelling units per acre is necessary to provide sufficient ridership to support rapid rail services.
What is one urban development benefit of rapid transit systems?
Answer: They foster compact city development without physical barriers.
Rapid transit systems, particularly elevated or underground lines, allow for efficient transport without occupying expensive land, which fosters compact city development and avoids creating physical barriers.
What is a key environmental benefit of rapid transit systems?
Answer: They lead to a massive reduction in CO2 emissions.
A key environmental benefit of rapid transit is its lower impact compared to road transport, including a massive reduction in CO2 emissions.
Which of the following is a financial challenge associated with rapid transit systems?
Answer: High risk of cost overruns
Rapid transit systems involve high capital costs and carry a significant financial risk of cost overruns and benefit shortfalls, typically requiring public financing.