Glossary

Browse the A-Z below for some rail-specific terms that are used in this website, together with their meanings.
 

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  • B

  • BR

    British Rail: the state corporation established under the Transport Act 1962 responsible for the operation, upkeep and stewardship of the national rail network infrastructure and freight and passenger train services until the railway was privatised between 1994 and 1997.

  • Bridge strike

    An incident where a railway bridge has been struck by a road vehicle.

  • Broken rail

    A rail which has a fracture through the full cross section or a substantial piece broken out of the railhead.

  • BSI

    British Standards Institute.

  • BTP

    British Transport Police: a police service for rail operators, their staff and passengers in England, Wales and Scotland.