Can an electric double-decker train share a line with a single-decker electric train?

Question

just curious, the city where I live in 100% the trains are double-deck, would just like to know because I am Curious George :-)

Answer 1

IF the route is arranged to accept a bi-level car, a single level car would just have to crank up its "Cantenary" high enough to reach the power lines !!

As the first respondent pointed out... the other way around would be DEPENDENT on if there is clearance... the lines, bridges, tunnels, etc.

Answer 2

Most rail lines in Europe and America can take both single and double deck trains.

The operating factor here is the height restriction which on most  American and European rail lines is sufficient to allow double-deck trains to run.

Power supply is no problem, either it's a third rail which either type of train can use, or if it's an overhead line the clearances will be such that the pantograph (i.e. pick-up device) of either type of train will be able to reach.

Double-deck trains are not used in the UK because the height clearance is lower.

In the late 1940's the Southern Railway introduced a few double-deck electric units for suburban services in and around London. They were not a success as the restricted height clearance meant that the accommodation was of a poor standard. Their lack of popularity meant that they were only used at peak times when demand for rolling stock was at its height. They had gone by the late 1960's and no double deck trains have been built in the UK since.

Answer 3

Yes: in the Netherlands double-decked push-pull trains and single-deck trains use the same tacks

Answer 4

Absolutely yes.

Japanese railways use predominately standard single-deck electric cars and cab units throughout their system.   But there are several trains, such as the Shinkansen ("Bullet" trains)  which have both single and double deck passenger cars.  The double-height cars are for the premium service.

All of the cars run on the same tracks, since the overhead catenary power wire is raised high enough to clear the tallest cars.  And the pantographs on the standard cars can easily reach the power wire.

Answer 5

Yes, of course they can - if the infrastructure is large enough for a double decker, it will be suitable for a single decker.. Your question should actually be phrased the other way round - can double decker trains share a line with a single decker. The answer then would be possibly no - as in London, where people keep asking 'why can't we have double deck trains to relieve crowding' without realising the enormous costs that would be involved in raising bridge heights etc.

To the second answerer - the catenary is the wire and other infrasrtructure carrying the power. What might have to be heightened slightly is the unit's 'pantograph' which collects that power - but those are sprung loaded. They are rarely used at their full extent anyway.