Rail transport is the conveyance of passengers and goods by means of wheeled vehicles running along railways in British and Australian English (or railroads in US English). Railway transport is part of the logistics chain, which facilitates international trade and economic growth. Rail transport is capable of high capacity and is energy efficient, but lacks flexibility and is capital intensive.
It consists of trains running along a permanent way, consisting of steel track on ties and ballast. Alongside is a signalling system and sometimes an electrification system. The rolling stock, fitted with metal wheels, moves with low frictional resistance when compared with road vehicles. The operation is carried out by a railway company, providing transport between train stations. Power is prived by a steam engine, diesel engine or electrical transmission. Rail is the safest land transport...
