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German to English translations [PRO] Transport / Transportation / Shipping / road and rail vehicles
German term or phrase:Tourengleis
The use of this word seems to be confined to Austria, perhaps just Vienna. If none of you can come up with anything, I might have to ask Inspector Rex (it shouldn't be a problem for him).
Die ultraschalltechnische Prüfung muss derartig geplant werden, dass das gesamte U-Bahn Netz des AG (Tourengleise, welche mit Fahrgästen befahren werden) einmal jährlich abgedeckt wird.
It seems that "Tourengleis" is indeed a "Wiener" speciality meaning lines that carry regular services. "running lines" is the correct UK expression even if the original text is possibly tautological by adding an explanation.
When I was working for the railway, 'running lines' (passenger or goods) were the tracks used for revenue-earning traffic (and were maintained to a commensurate standard). Sidings, turning loops etc. were tracks on which loaded passenger trains did not run. Trains carrying passengers required special permission from the Civil Engineer before they could run on such lines. My money is on 'running lines'. I cannot recall ever having seen the expression "tracks in regular service" used during my time with BR or thereafter, but that expression may be used in a light rail context (tramways etc.).
I've been reaching the same conclusion myself after trying the UIC Lexique and then googling a bit. If "running lines" is the common term, you seem to be on the right track.
... what other kinds of tracks they have in mind (to distinguish), but I would say "service tracks/lines", or "tracks/lines in regular service" would do the trick w/o any problem. That is because there is an explanation provided in parentheses, so there's not too much risk of mistranslating.
Along with other online references, an entry in www.porr.at/porr/porr/German/media/PORR_Nachrichten_Nr157.p... suggests that this term refers to 'running lines', as opposed to 'sidings' (Abstellgleise) or other non-passenger carrying lines, but there is no confirmation of this in the UIC Lexique and it is difficult to find confirmation online.
The translation workplace 
peer agreement (net): +1
