View source for Rail network

[[Category:Urban object]][[File: Railnetwork.jpg|right|200px|Rail network|link=]]A rail network is the necessary infrastructure for trains, metro or tram. 

== Description ==
A rail network is the necessary infrastructure for trains, metro or tram. The track consists of two parallel steel rails, anchored perpendicular to members called ties (sleepers) of timber, concrete, steel, or plastic to maintain a consistent distance apart, or rail gauge [ref wikipedia]. Turnouts, also known as points and switches, are the means of directing a train onto a diverging section of track [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport#Trackage]. Signalling is used to control the direction of the switch and to prevent collisions.

The rail network can be used both for passenger and freight transport.

Vulnerable or unsafe parts of a railway network are level crossings with other infrastructure, switches, steep curves (risk of run off the rails) and [[hub|stations]].

== Functions ==
=== Social ===
=== Economic ===
By connecting geographic locations, rail networks facilitate the transport and movement of people, goods, and services, creating welfare ([[economic impact]]). In many countries, rail transport is the preferred transport mode for bulk goods (some of it dangerous), especially on long-distances. Due to the increasing expansion of cities and urban centres, the demand for large-scale passenger and freight transport has steadily grown world-wide. Historically, in many regions and countries this increased demand has been met by expanding the road networks, but rail networks provide many (indirect) economic benefits over road networks. According to a study by Deloitte Access Economics (2011)<ref>Deloitte Access Economics (2011). The true value of rail. The Australasian Railway Association.</ref> some of the benefits of rail networks are:
* “Improved land use and urban densification;
* Lower carbon emissions;
* Reduced congestion;
* Fewer accidents;
* Removing barriers to social inclusion;
* Improving land values; and
* Enhanced energy security."

Threats to rail networks are mostly limited to crime (theft of valuable materials such as copper and metal) and vandalism. There is, however, also a looming chance for terrorist assaults like in Madrid (2004) causing a direct [[Economic impact of security threats|economic damage]] of more than € 5 million on railway infrastructure<ref>Buesa, M., A. Valiňo, J. Heijs, T. Baumert, J G. Gómez (2006). The Economic Cost of March 11: Measuring the Direct Economic Cost of the Terrorist Attack on March 11, 2004 in Madrid.</ref> and indirect economic impact due to delays and blockades in rail traffic. Hence, security measures that focus on resilience can generate positive leverage compared to the necessary investments, but could also have an impact on the efficiency of transportation, also referred to as the [[Economic impact of security measures|economic impact of security measures]].

=== Mobility ===
=== Safety ===
Vulnerable or unsafe parts of a railway network are level crossings with other infrastructure, switches, steep curves (risk of run off the rails) and [[hub|stations]].
== Security Issues ==
== Measures ==

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