Editing Tram (section)

==Track==
[[File:Szyny Głogowska RB2.JPG|thumb|upright=0.55|left|[[Rail profile#Grooved rail|Cross section]] of a grooved tram rail]]
Tramway track can have different [[rail profile]]s to accommodate the various operating environments of the vehicle. They may be embedded into [[concrete]] for street-running operation, or use standard [[Track ballast|ballasted]] track with [[railroad tie]]s on high-speed sections. A more ecological solution is to embed tracks into [[sod|grass turf]], an approach known as [[green track]].

Tramway tracks use a [[grooved rail]] with a [[groove (engineering)|groove]] designed for tramway or railway track in [[Road surface|pavement]] or grassed surfaces, also called grassed track or track in a lawn. The rail has the railhead on one side and the guard on the other. The guard provides accommodation for the flange. The guard carries no weight, but may act as a checkrail. Grooved rail was invented in 1852 by [[Alphonse Loubat]], a French inventor who developed improvements in tram and rail equipment, and helped develop tram lines in New York City and Paris. The invention of grooved rail enabled tramways to be laid without causing a nuisance to other road users, except unsuspecting cyclists, who could get their wheels caught in the groove. The grooves may become filled with gravel and dirt (particularly if infrequently used or after a period of idleness) and need clearing from time to time, this being done by a "scrubber" tram. Failure to clear the grooves can lead to a bumpy ride for the passengers, damage to either wheel or rail and possibly derailing.

In narrow situations double-track tram lines sometimes reduce to single track, or, to avoid [[railroad switch|switches]], have the tracks interlaced.

[[File:2022 09 14 Hannings & Kahl point-setting system, Amsterdam CS (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|A 3-way point-setting system in [[Amsterdam Centraal station|Amsterdam]]. The indicator on the right displays "Lijn 24, Spoor 4". The points are set to automatically send the next tram (route 24 to ''De Boelelaan/VU'') to platform 4 on the left.]]

===Switches===
On many tram systems where tracks diverge, the driver chooses the route, usually either by flicking a switch on the dashboard or by use of the power pedal – generally if power is applied the tram goes straight on, whereas if no power is applied the tram turns. Some systems use automatic point-setting systems, where the route for each journey is downloaded from a central computer, and an onboard computer actuates each point as it comes to it via an [[induction loop]]. Such is the case at [[Manchester Metrolink]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Bickell |first=David |date=2 December 2014 |title=Signalling Metrolink |url=https://www.railengineer.co.uk/signalling-metrolink/ |magazine=Rail Engineer |number=122}}</ref> If the powered system breaks down, most points may be operated manually, by inserting a metal lever ('point iron') into the [[point machine]].

===Track gauge===
{{main|List of tram systems by gauge and electrification}}
Historically, the [[track gauge]] has had considerable variations, with [[narrow gauge railways|narrow gauge]] common in many early systems. However, most light rail systems are now [[standard gauge]]. An important advantage of standard gauge is that standard railway maintenance equipment can be used on it, rather than custom-built machinery. Using standard gauge also allows light rail vehicles to be delivered and relocated conveniently using freight railways and locomotives.

Another factor favoring standard gauge is that low-floor vehicles are becoming popular, and there is generally insufficient space for wheelchairs to move between the wheels in a narrow gauge layout. Standard gauge also enables – at least in theory – a larger choice of manufacturers and thus lower procurement costs for new vehicles. However, other factors such as electrification or [[loading gauge]] for which there is more variation may require costly custom built units regardless.

{{multiple image
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| image1            = Tram lyon 04.jpg
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| footer            = Tram stops can range from purpose-built, tram-exclusive facilities (left), to simple stops within a public road (right).
| image2            = Straßenbahnlinie 14, Oppenheimer Landstraße.jpg
| width2            = 180
}}

===Tram stop===
{{Main|Tram stop}}
Tram stops may be similar to [[bus stop]]s in design and use, particularly in street-running sections, where in some cases other vehicles are legally required to stop clear of the tram doors. Some stops may have [[railway platform]]s, particularly in private right-of-way sections and where trams are boarded at standard [[railway platform height]], as opposed to using steps at the doorway or [[low-floor tram]]s.