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

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/projectsandschemes/networkandservices/5011.aspx

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

"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 5

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 6

they call it a light rail train in some places.

Answer 7

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 8

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

Answer 9

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

:D

Answer 10

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