modal

Bi-modal transport

1) The carriage of goods by two separate modes of transport, usually road and rail. Certain special trailers have retractable running gear and actually ride on rail bogies for long-haul rail journeys.

Bi-modal trailer

1) Specialized road semi-trailer which converts into a rail wagon for rail transit. On the road the trailer runs on its own wheel and tyre bogie, but when connected to rail it rests on special rail bogies at each end with the road-wheel bogie retracted. These trailers are strengthened to withstand the forces generated in rail shunting.

Bi-modal

1) A vehicle that can use two forms of transport, eg road and rail. Bi-modal trailers are usually equipped with both road wheels and facilities to mount on a rail bogie for long-haul trunking by rail.