Editing Tram (section)

===Disadvantages===
[[File:Midland Metro - Cyclist dismount sign - Andy Mabbett.jpg|thumb|Tram tracks pose a hazard for cyclists, as their wheels may get caught in the track.]]
* Installing rails for tram tracks and overhead lines for power means a higher up-front cost than using buses which require no modifications to streets to begin operations. 
* Tram tracks can be hazardous for cyclists, as bikes, particularly those with narrow tyres, may get their wheels caught in the track grooves.<ref name="bv.com.au">{{cite web|url=https://www.bv.com.au/general/bikes-and-riding/10429/ |title=Crossing tram tracks – Bicycle Network |publisher=Bv.com.au |date=14 July 2004 |access-date=8 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331204418/https://www.bv.com.au/general/bikes-and-riding/10429/ |archive-date=31 March 2012 }}</ref> It is possible to close the grooves of the tracks on critical sections by rubber profiles that are pressed down by the wheelflanges of the passing tram but that cannot be lowered by the weight of a cyclist.<ref>{{cite web |title=Novel highly durable rubber safety profiles for rail-based traffic systems such as tram lines which make cycling safer in inner cities by closing gaps to prevent bike accidents |url=https://een.ec.europa.eu/partners/novel-highly-durable-rubber-safety-profiles-rail-based-traffic-systems-such-tram-lines |publisher=[[Enterprise Europe Network]] |access-date=18 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref> If not well-maintained, however, these lose their effectiveness over time.{{Citation needed|date=May 2014}}
* When wet, tram tracks tend to become slippery and thus dangerous for bicycles and motorcycles, especially in traffic.<ref name="bv.com.au" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie/rules-for-driving/traffic-signs-road-markings/trams-lightrail.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071129222601/http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie/rules-for-driving/traffic-signs-road-markings/trams-lightrail.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 November 2007 |title=Trams/Light Rail – Road Safety Authority Rules of the Road |publisher=Rulesoftheroad.ie |access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> In some cases, even cars can be affected.<ref>{{cite web |author=Andrew Heasley |url=http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/slippery-issue-on-track-20100824-13kvf.html |title=Slippery issue on track |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]].drive.com.au |date=29 April 2004 |access-date=8 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108212756/http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/slippery-issue-on-track-20100824-13kvf.html |archive-date=8 November 2012}}</ref>
* The opening of new tram and light rail systems has sometimes been accompanied by a marked increase in car accidents, as a result of drivers' unfamiliarity with the physics and [[Track geometry|geometry]] of trams.<ref>{{harvnb|McCaleb|1994|p=67}} Besides recounting statistics and anecdotes, this source also reprints a ''[[San Jose Mercury News]]'' cartoon of one such accident, in which a bemused tow truck driver quips, "Dang! [[Rod Diridon, Sr.|Rod Diridon]] was right! The trolley does reduce the number of vehicles on the road!"</ref> Though such increases may be temporary, long-term conflicts between motorists and light rail operations can be alleviated by segregating their respective rights-of-way and installing appropriate signage and warning systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=2536 |title=Light Rail Service: Pedestrian and Vehicular Safety &#124; Blurbs &#124; Main |publisher=Trb.org |date=30 March 2014 |access-date=8 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601181812/http://trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=2536 |archive-date=1 June 2008}}</ref>
* Rail transport can expose neighbouring populations to moderate levels of low-frequency noise. However, transportation planners use [[noise mitigation]] strategies to minimise these effects.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=2593 |title=Wheel/Rail Noise Control Manual &#124; Blurbs &#124; Main |publisher=Trb.org |access-date=8 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601181818/http://trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=2593 |archive-date=1 June 2008}}</ref> Most of all, the potential for decreased private motor vehicle operations along the tram's service line because of the service provision could result in lower [[ambient noise level]]s than without.
* The overhead power lines and supporting poles utilized by trams (except for those using a third rail) can be unsightly and contribute to [[visual pollution]].<ref name="Shodorf_1973">{{cite thesis |last=Schodorf |first=Robert J. |date=1973 |title=A Study of Visual Pollution from Overhead Wires and Associated Structures |url=https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/2719 |degree=MA  |chapter=1, 2 |publisher=ScholarWorks at WMU |oclc=22870575 |access-date=30 January 2024}}</ref>