What is "express train"

Express \Ex*press"\, n. [Cf. F. expr[`e]s a messenger.]

1. A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration. [Obs.]

   The only remanent express of Christ's sacrifice on earth.
   --Jer. Taylor.

2. A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier; hence, a regular and fast conveyance; commonly, a company or system for the prompt and safe transportation of merchandise or parcels.

3. An express office.

   She charged him . . . to ask at the express if anything came up from town.
   --E. E. Hale.

4. That which is sent by an express messenger or message. [Obs.]
   --Eikon Basilike.

5. a railway train or bus for transporting passengers or goods with speed and punctuality; a train or bus that does not stop at certain stations. Contrasted to local; as, take the express to get there faster.

   Syn: express train. [PJC]

   Express office, an office where packages for an express are received or delivered.

   Express train, a railway train (such as a subway train) that does not stop at certain stations, but only at stations designated express stops.

Express train \Express train\ Formerly, a railroad train run expressly for the occasion; a special train; now, a train run at express or special speed and making few stops.

n. A train (either the service or the train itself) making limited stops.

Express trains (also sometimes referred to as fast trains, though this is a relative term, usually meaning "faster than some other trains on the line in question") are a form of rail service. Express trains make only a small number of stops, instead of stopping locally. In some cases, trains run express where there is overlapping local train service available, and run local at the tail ends of the line, where there is no supplemental local service. During overnight hours, or other times where it is practical, express trains may become local, but still running to where an express train would terminate.

While widely implemented in long-distance rail service, it has also proven successful in the planning of some rapid transit systems. A large portion of the New York City Subway has a 4-track layout, outer two for local trains, and inner two for express trains (on lines with three tracks, the express track provides one-way service, reversing direction as needed). This has also been implemented on Philadelphia's Broad Street Line, on parts of Chicago's Red Line and Purple Line, and on two small parts of London Underground, namely certain sections of the Metropolitan line and the Piccadilly line. Several variations of express services (e.g. semi-express, limited express) are also a feature in major Japanese railways, and on line 1 of the Seoul Metro.

Express Train may refer to:

• Express Trains in India, a type of trains in India
• Superfast/Mail Trains in India, a type of fast trains in India
• Express train, a train making a limited number of stops
• Express Train, a model for the peopling of Polynesia by Austronesian peoples