Characteristics Regional rail

northern rail class 158 @ york station

the main difference between regional rail , commuter rail latter focused on moving people between live , work on daily basis. regional rail operates outside major cities. unlike inter-city, stops @ or stations. provides service between smaller communities along line, , connections long-distance services. regional rail typically operates throughout day @ low frequency (once per hour or few times day), whereas commuter rail provides high-frequency service within conurbation.

regional rail services less profitable inter-city (mainly because many passengers use monthly passes giving lower price per ride, , lower average speed gives less distance, meaning less ticket revenue per hour of operation) , hence require government subsidy. justified on social or environmental grounds, , because regional rail services act feeders more profitable inter-city lines.

since invention, distinction between regional , long-distance rail has commonly been use of multiple-unit propulsion, longer-distance trains tending locomotive-hauled (although development of trains such british rail class 390 , v/line vlocity has blurred distinction). shorter regional rail services still operated exclusively multiple units exist, have shorter range , operate @ lower average speeds services on inter-city rail networks. not using locomotive provides greater passenger capacity in commuter role @ peak periods. there of course trains in between regional , inter-city, oresundtrain (between copenhagen , 3 cities in sweden on 3 hours away) stopping pattern regional train , pass prices attracting work commuters.