main line
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main line
The central and most heavily used section of a rail network in local public transport (e.g., S-Bahn or subway), where several lines are bundled together and run on the same tracks.
Wegen einer Weichenstörung auf der Stammstrecke kommt es im gesamten S-Bahn-Netz zu erheblichen Verspätungen.
Because of a points failure on the main line, there are significant delays throughout the entire S-Bahn network.
The word combines 'Stamm' (trunk, as in a tree trunk) and 'Strecke' (route/line). It describes the central main section of a transport network, from which the individual lines branch off like limbs.
Alle S-Bahn-Linien der Stadt nutzen die Stammstrecke.
All of the city's S-Bahn lines use the main line.
This term belongs to the specialist language of local public transport. It is used mainly for the central tunnels or routes of S-Bahn and subway systems in large cities.
In München wird eine zweite Stammstrecke für die S-Bahn gebaut.
A second main line for the S-Bahn is being built in Munich.
Because the main line is so important, it is often mentioned in connection with problems. Common phrases are 'Störung auf der Stammstrecke' (disruption on the main line) or 'Sperrung der Stammstrecke' (closure of the main line).
Eine Signalstörung auf der Stammstrecke führte zu massiven Verspätungen.
A signal failure on the main line led to massive delays.
line
'die Linie' and 'die Stammstrecke' both belong to public transport. 'Linie' means the route of a bus, train, or subway, for example S1, U3, or bus 42. 'Stammstrecke', on the other hand, means a central section of the rail network where several lines run together. The words can be confused because both appear on timetables and in relation to rail routes. In practice: a Linie runs on a route; a Stammstrecke is an important shared part of that route for several lines.
Auf der Stammstrecke fahren im Berufsverkehr viele S-Bahnen hintereinander.
Many S-Bahn trains run one after another on the main line during rush hour.
Die Linie U6 fährt heute nur bis zur nächsten Station.
Line U6 is only running as far as the next station today.