Why isn't a subway ...?

Question

Why isn't a subway train that is moving above ground called a aboveway train?

Answer 1

it isn't called an aboveway train as it still runs on its underground tracks. A good example of this is the London Underground, which has many miles above ground, but not whole lines. The only reason the tracks come above ground is to save money or lack of suitable boring material underground.

Answer 2

someone people might call them the "EL"

Answer 3

because it is not called a aboveway train.

Answer 4

they call it a light rail train in some places.

Answer 5

Good question i need to find the answer to that one myself now i couldn't even hazard a guess let me know if you find out.

mmm good one.

Answer 6

Okay then..........when you're doing a handstand, why isn't your arm called a leg?

Answer 7

"Maid Angela" and "JamesDean" gave good sound answers:

IF a train operates MOST of it's route below ground, it will be called a "subway".

I like their submarine and airplane analogies !

Answer 8

Funnily enough, this question has been thought about by Transport for London which is responsible for transport in the capital and which is taking over surface lines previously operated by British Rail and its successors. These are to be called 'the Overground' to differentiate from 'the Underground' with a different coloured logo etc. Have a look at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projects...

Answer 9

Add that one to the list of misnomers and oxymorons, like 'military intelligence' and 'jumbo shrimp'.

Answer 10

Its a "tube" and its because for  the majority of it goes beneath ground

Answer 11

why isnt an airplane  that is moving / taxying on the run way called  " groundplane "

why complicate things   moron.........

Answer 12

If it is at street level it is considered Light rail or trolley, above street level it's call an elevated train or the "El".

Answer 13

i only like subway the food shop

Answer 14

Overground trains are a lot bigger, more power, more people moving capacity then Underground trains.

Also the size of them and the weight of them to make them more economical people movers.

Answer 15

For the same reason that you call a submarine a submarine even when it is about water

Answer 16

Sub = Under

you dont have above in the same sense, the closest you get in over as the train moves over the ground.

Answer 17

Because above-ground trains came first. Duh.

Answer 18

Y don't they call socks "foot gloves"? that joke sucked like h**l bro.

Answer 19

A bit like why isn't an umbrella called a rainbrella.

:D