Leitbahn

Leitbahn is a German term used in transportation engineering to describe a fixed element of a guided transport system that constrains and directs the vehicle along a predefined path. The word combines Leit- (leading, guiding) with Bahn (rail, track), reflecting its role as a guiding structure within the system.

A Leitbahn can take various physical forms. It may be a separate rail or guide rail installed alongside or within the normal track, a groove or channel in the roadway or guide surface, or a dedicated element that engages a vehicle’s guiding mechanism. Vehicles designed for guided operation typically carry a guide component—such as a wheel, pin, or follower—that interacts with the Leitbahn to maintain lateral position and alignment, while propulsion and brake systems provide the primary drive and stopping power.

Use and applications. Leitbahns are employed in certain guided transport modes, including some tram and light rail configurations, as well as guided-bus systems, where the Leitbahn contributes to precise steering and stability, particularly on tight curves or complex alignments. The approach allows vehicles to follow a fixed trajectory with reduced reliance on wheel flanges or steering control alone. Variants differ in how the Leitbahn is integrated into the infrastructure and how the guide mechanism on the vehicle engages it.

In English-language contexts, the term is less common, with translations such as “guide rail” or “guideway” used to describe similar concepts. The concept remains a foundational element in some guided-transport designs, complementing conventional rails or tires to achieve controlled, predictable path guidance.