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METRO   [ 75 cities presented here ] (most recent entries: Feb, 19th, 2017)

In the common definition these systems have a completely segregated track, mostly underground.
The traditional metros can reach high capacities (> 10000 pphpd) thanks to the segregated tracks and to the signalling systems (with related high frequencies); the heavy impact of the construction works has been reduced by the adoption of bored tunnel machines (TBM), instead of the cut&cover method (which is mostly used for the stations).

The recent tendency in the metro systems development (expecially for middle-high rank towns) is going towards light metros, characterized by short rolling stock (and, conseguently, short stations), high frequencies (normally between 3' and 65'') and, often, by driverless operations. These aspects allow a remarkable reduction of the construction costs related to the infrastructures, with transport capacity values comparable to the heavy metro systems. Light metros also assure an easier insertion in the urban context (expecially in the old towns centers).

"Premetro" and "Stadtbahn" systems can also be classified in the metro category; they generally have ground level (but traffic segregated) tracks in the suburban areas and underground sections in the central areas; in many cases the underground central segments are utilized (at least in a first phase) by existing LRT/tram rolling stock (see Bruxelles, Stuttgard), while in further phases metro-like rolling stock can be adopted transforming the initial system in a properly-said full metro.