Page "Rail transport" Paragraph 2

Rail transport is a means of conveyance of passengers and goods by way of wheeled vehicles running on rail tracks.

In contrast to road transport, where vehicles merely run on a prepared surface, rail vehicles are also directionally guided by the tracks on which they run.

Track usually consists of steel rails installed on sleepers / ties and ballast, on which the rolling stock, usually fitted with metal wheels, moves.

However, other variations are also possible, such as slab track where the rails are fastened to a concrete foundation resting on a prepared subsurface.