S-Bahn - Definition and Overview

(Translated from the German wikipedia article)

The S-Bahn is a suburban metro railway network. The term is used in german speaking regions (Austria, Germany, Switzerland). The S-Bahn (Schnellbahn meaning fast-train or city fast-train in abbreviated form), is a rail-road that serves metropolitan traffic as well as direct regional traffic, and is characterized by high efficiency and a synchronized timetable that allows for denser train traffic on the rail lines. This is achieved by its own railway construction, acceleration strength, electric locomotives with many doors, and by high train platforms. The symbol for the S-bahn in Germany is a white “S” on a green circle. In Switzerland, S-Linien (S-lines) is displayed in black letters on a white background. From the term, S-bahn, come many similar notations, like the name R-bahn for regional trains, which is not in accordance with S-bahn criteria.

The term “RER” (Réseau express régional), used in France, and west Switzerland is very similar to the S-bahn.

Clasifications

The S-Bahns are different from subways in that they have developed out of the classical railroad. This can be seen in that they are mainly driven by the state railroad or their subsidiaries. Compared to a subway, the S-bahn lines have numerous branches. The lines of different branches operate on one or several stretches together where they create dense train traffic.

In comparison to the regional train, the s-bahn experiences a higher efficiency, but also shorter distance between train stations. They are often run on their own tracks independently from other traffic, but on outside line sections the s-bahn runs together with other railroad traffic on the same tracks.

The transition to the regional railroad, the subway, or even to city trolley lines is indeed very smooth.

See also (sites in German)

• Liste der Städte mit S-Bahnen
• Regionalbahn
• S-Bahnen in der Schweiz
• S-Bahnen in Deutschland
• S-Bahn Wien
• Stadtschnellbahn
• U-Bahn
• Verkehrsmittel