Karlsruhe model

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For other uses, see Karlsruhe (disambiguation).

The Karlsruhe model means urban and heavy rail trains running on the same track. It is so called because the city of Karlsruhe in Germany was the first to link its street tramway and the main-line railway by running urban trams on both networks. The main line remains open at all times to all types of train - including local trains, heavy freight and InterCity. The model has led to the creation of Tram-trains.

Other systems that have implemented the Karlsruhe model:

• RijnGouweLijn, the Netherlands
• Saarbrücken, Germany
• Kassel, Germany
• Nordhausen, Germany
• Tyne and Wear Metro, England

Zwickau, Germany has reversed the Karlsruhe model by extending Lightweight RegioSprinter diesel trains from the main-line railway onto the street tramway as TrainTrams.