A commuter rail line typically consists of a locomotive pulling passenger cars, operating at high speeds with slow acceleration and deceleration. Service is generally provided for early morning and late evening work commutes. Commuter rail can then serve both communities and a range of people including the elderly, non-licensed drivers and handicapped persons. Heavy Rail, as opposed to light rail, operates on an exclusive right of way. Service is intended primarily for central city travel, but newer systems often extend lines to the suburbs.
Stations are generally close together, averaging about a mile apart.
Heavy Rail is costly and requires large rights of way. Heavy Rail is used in areas like the East Coast for inter regional transit. The term heavy rail came into existence to distinguish it from light rail. Light Rail is probably the most popular form of rail transit currently being proposed by cities today. Light Rail, also called the modern trolley or streetcar, is used in urban areas with significant population centers or corridors.