Definition of the word light railway

The term "light railway" originated in the late 19th century as a description for a type of railway that was designed to transport goods and passengers over shorter distances at lower speeds compared to mainline railways. These railways were often built to serve rural areas or suburban communities where traditional railways were not considered practical due to their cost or potential disruption to the existing environment. The word "light" in "light railway" refers to the fact that these systems are generally less heavy-duty than mainline railways and use smaller vehicles, tracks, and signals to reduce construction and maintenance costs. The term "railway" itself comes from the early days of steam locomotives, when tracked vehicles were seen as a means of transporting goods and passengers on rails (as opposed to roads). Over time, the definition of a "light railway" has evolved to encompass a wider range of technologies, including tramways, streetcars, and metro systems. Today, "light railway" is a somewhat outdated term, as many modern systems are referred to using more specific names based on their particular characteristics or applications. However, the language surrounding transportation continues to evolve, and "light railway" remains a useful term for describing a type of railway that is distinct from both mainline railways and urban mass transit systems.