Five types of light rail transit guideway configurations to be considered, each with different signaling characteristics:
- In-Street Mixed Traffic Right-Of-Way (Streetcar)
- Semi-Exclusive Right-Of-Way
- Exclusive Right-Of-Way
- Highway Grade Crossings
- Yard and Shop
The choice of which system is most appropriate for a specific section of track is based on operational and sometimes political considerations. A light rail system may utilize different signal technologies at different locations based on these concerns. A street-running operation at relatively low speeds requires different controls than a high-speed operation on an exclusive right-of-way.
