Unused Sections of Train Track: Ensuring Safety and Maintenance

Why should unused sections of train track be operated over regularly?

A. To increase train schedules

B. To identify maintenance issues

C. To decrease safety measures required

D. To reduce train disruptions

Answer:

B. To identify maintenance issues

Unused sections of train track should be run on regularly to identify maintenance issues and ensure safety. This regular use maintains the track's condition and clears obstructions. Regular commuters may not notice these operations as they're attuned to usual train timings and crowd movements.

Explanation: Unused sections of track should be operated over at more or less regular intervals to ensure that the infrastructure remains in good working condition. Frequent use of the tracks can help identify potential maintenance issues, ensuring that safety standards are consistently met. Additionally, operating on these tracks regularly helps maintain the flexibility and proper orientation of the rails, as well as helps clear away any debris or foliage that may obstruct the tracks.

For train regulars, the operation of these unused sections may not be immediately apparent, as they are often more attuned to the typical patterns of train arrivals and departures. These are the same commuters who can sense a train is running late or detect a track change simply by the movement of the crowd, without relying on schedule boards.