Bogie vs. Trolley — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
A bogie is a wheeled wagon or trolley framework used in trains, while a trolley refers to a streetcar or a wheeled frame used for carrying items.
Difference Between Bogie and Trolley
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Key Differences
A bogie is an assembly of wheels and axles under trains that help distribute the load and stabilize rail vehicles during high-speed travel. On the other hand, a trolley typically refers to a self-contained streetcar powered by overhead electric wires, or a lightweight, wheeled cart used in supermarkets or at airports.
Bogies are essential for the smooth operation of rail vehicles, providing necessary support and flexibility on tracks. Whereas, trolleys in the context of streetcars serve as urban public transit vehicles, moving passengers within cities using existing roadways.
In rail terminology, bogies are integral to the performance of rail vehicles, affecting speed, safety, and the comfort of the ride. In contrast, trolleys, when referred to as carts, are designed for ease of handling and maneuverability in confined spaces like stores or sidewalks.
The design of a bogie allows it to pivot in the rail tracks, adapting to changes in direction and track conditions. On the other hand, trolleys, particularly those used in transportation, are fixed in alignment with their tracks or operate on roads with steering controlled by an operator.
Rail systems depend heavily on bogies to distribute the weight of the train evenly, which is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of both the train and the tracks. In comparison, trolleys as carts are lightweight and built to carry relatively smaller loads, emphasizing utility and accessibility.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A chassis or framework carrying wheels, attached to trains.
A wheeled vehicle for public transport or a cart for goods.
Usage
Used in railways to support carriages and locomotives.
Used primarily in urban public transit or for transporting goods or luggage.
Power Source
Does not have its own power, relies on the train engine.
May be powered by electricity (streetcars) or human effort (carts).
Design Focus
Designed for stability, load distribution, and smooth travel on tracks.
Designed for easy maneuverability and accessibility in various environments.
Common Contexts
Railways worldwide.
Urban areas, shopping centers, airports.
Compare with Definitions
Bogie
The structural component on trains that houses the wheels.
The engineer inspected the bogie for any signs of wear or damage.
Trolley
A streetcar that runs on tracks and is usually powered by overhead electric wires.
We took the trolley through downtown to avoid traffic.
Bogie
A wheeled undercarriage that supports various types of rail vehicles.
The train’s smooth ride was thanks to its well-maintained bogies.
Trolley
A cart used in stores or airports for transporting goods or luggage.
He grabbed a trolley at the grocery store to carry his weekly supplies.
Bogie
A framework that carries the wheelset used primarily in the railway industry.
Each railcar has two bogies, enhancing the stability of the carriage.
Trolley
Powered often electrically, providing public transportation in urban settings.
The electric trolley is an eco-friendly option for city commuting.
Bogie
An assembly supporting the train’s load across the tracks.
Modern trains feature advanced bogies designed to handle higher speeds.
Trolley
A utility device on wheels designed for ease of use in congested areas.
The airport trolley made it easy to carry our luggage to the check-in counter.
Bogie
A critical component in railway mechanics, pivotal for train mobility.
The derailment was caused by a faulty bogie.
Trolley
A small vehicle used on rails for transporting passengers or freight in specific areas.
The museum has an old trolley on display that used to operate in the city.
Bogie
A bogie ( BOH-ghee) (in some senses called a truck in North American English) is a chassis or framework that carries a wheelset, attached to a vehicle—a modular subassembly of wheels and axles. Bogies take various forms in various modes of transport.
Trolley
A large metal basket or frame on wheels, used for transporting heavy or large items, such as supermarket purchases or luggage at an airport or railway station.
Bogie
One of several wheels or supporting and aligning rollers inside the tread of a tractor or tank.
Trolley
A wheel attached to a pole, used for collecting current from an overhead electric wire to drive a tram.
Bogie
Chiefly British See truck.
Trolley
Short for trolleybus or trolley car
Bogie
Variant of bogey.
Trolley
A streetcar.
Bogie
(also bgē, bgē) An evil or mischievous spirit; a hobgoblin.
Trolley
A device that collects electric current from an underground conductor, an overhead wire, or a third rail and transmits it to the motor of an electric vehicle.
Bogie
(also bgē, bgē) A cause of annoyance or harassment.
Trolley
A small truck or car operating on a track and used in a mine, quarry, or factory for conveying materials.
Bogie
A golf score of one stroke over par.
Trolley
A wheeled carriage, cage, or basket that is suspended from and travels on an overhead track.
Bogie
Chiefly British The number of strokes that a good player is likely to need to finish a golf hole or course.
Trolley
Chiefly British A light cart designed to be moved by hand.
Bogie
(Slang) An unidentified flying aircraft.
Trolley
To convey (passengers) or travel by trolley.
Bogie
(Slang) A detective or police officer.
Trolley
A trolley pole; a single-pole device for collecting electrical current from an overhead electrical line, normally for a tram/streetcar or a trolleybus.
Bogie
Chiefly British Slang A piece of dried or semisolid nasal mucus; a booger.
Trolley
(US) A streetcar or light train.
Bogie
To play (a hole in golf) scoring one stroke over par.
Trolley
A light rail, tramway, trolleybus or streetcar system.
Bogie
(Northern England) A low, hand-operated truck, generally with four wheels, used for transporting objects or for riding on as a toy; a trolley.
Trolley
A truck from which the load is suspended in some kinds of cranes.
Bogie
One of two sets of wheels under a locomotive or railcar; also, a structure with axles and wheels under a locomotive, railcar, or semi which provides support and reduces vibration for the vehicle.
Trolley
A truck which travels along the fixed conductors in an electric railway, and forms a means of connection between them and a railway car.
Bogie
A set of wheels attached to one of an aircraft's landing gear, or the structure connecting the wheels in one such set.
Although most A320s have two wheels on each of their main gear, a few built for the Indian market have four-wheel bogies, halving the amount of weight on each wheel and allowing the aircraft to use runways that couldn't withstand the ground pressure from a standard A320.
Trolley
A cart or shopping cart; a shopping trolley.
Bogie
A railway carriage.
Trolley
(British) A hand truck.
Bogie
A marijuana cigarette; a joint.
Thesaurus:marijuana cigarette
Trolley
(British) A soapbox car.
Bogie
Alternative spelling of bogey
Trolley
(British) A gurney, a stretcher with wheeled legs.
Bogie
A ghost, goblin, or other hostile supernatural creature.
Trolley
(Philippines) A handcar.
Bogie
A standard of performance set up as a mark to be aimed at in competition.
Trolley
To bring to by trolley.
Bogie
An unidentified aircraft, especially as observed as a spot on a radar screen and suspected to be hostile.
Trolley
To use a trolley vehicle to go from one place to another.
Bogie
(golf) A score of one over par on a hole.
Trolley
To travel by trolley (streetcar, trolleybus or light train).
Bogie
A piece of dried mucus in or removed from the nostril.
Trolley
A form of truck which can be tilted, for carrying railroad materials, or the like.
Bogie
A four-wheeled truck, having a certain amount of play around a vertical axis, used to support in part a locomotive on a railway track.
Trolley
A wheeled vehicle that runs on rails and is propelled by electricity;
`tram' and `tramcar' are British terms
Bogie
An evil spirit
Bogie
An unidentified (and possibly enemy) aircraft
Common Curiosities
How does a trolley differ from a typical bus?
A trolley is usually rail-guided and often powered by overhead electric lines, whereas a bus is road-based and can have various power sources including diesel or battery.
What is the primary function of a bogie in trains?
The primary function of a bogie is to support rail vehicle bodies and distribute the load evenly across the wheels.
Can trolleys carry as many passengers as trains?
Generally, trolleys carry fewer passengers compared to trains, which are designed for higher passenger capacity.
Are bogies used in any vehicles other than trains?
Primarily, bogies are used in train systems, though similar concepts can be found in some heavy-duty trailers and artillery mechanisms.
What types of loads are bogies designed to carry?
Bogies are designed to carry heavy loads, including passengers and freight, ensuring stability and safety on rail tracks.
What safety features are integral to the design of a bogie?
Safety features of bogies include suspension systems that absorb shocks and maintain track contact, and mechanisms that allow for smooth turning and stability.
What challenges are associated with the deployment of trolleys in new cities?
Challenges include infrastructure costs, urban planning constraints, and the need for continuous power supply systems, which can be significant barriers to new trolley systems.
What advancements are being made in bogie technology?
Recent advancements in bogie technology include improved materials for reduced weight, better dynamic behavior for high-speed travel, and modular designs for easier maintenance and adaptation to different rail gauges.
What maintenance is required for a bogie?
Regular maintenance of a bogie includes inspection of wheels, axles, and suspension components to ensure safe and efficient operation.
How environmentally friendly are electric trolleys compared to buses?
Electric trolleys produce no direct emissions, making them more environmentally friendly compared to diesel buses, although their overall impact depends on the source of electricity.
How are trolleys powered in cities without electric overhead wires?
In cities without overhead wires, trolleys may be powered by batteries or hybrid engines that allow for flexible urban transit.
Can trolleys be used for both passenger and freight transport?
While trolleys are primarily designed for passenger transport in urban areas, some specialized trolleys are equipped to handle freight, especially in industrial settings.
What are the historical developments of bogies in railway systems?
Historically, bogies evolved from simple wheelsets to complex assemblies that enhance speed and comfort in rail transport, with pivotal designs emerging in the late 19th century.
How do trolley systems integrate with other forms of public transportation?
Trolley systems often integrate with buses, subways, and trains through coordinated schedules and shared stations, facilitating seamless urban mobility.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
