A feeder line is a peripheral route or branch in a network, which connects smaller or more remote nodes with a route or branch carrying heavier traffic. The term is applicable to any system based on a hierarchical network. In

telecommunications Telecommunication, often used in its plural form or abbreviated as telecom, is the transmission of information over a distance using electronic means, typically through cables, radio waves, or other communication technologies. These means of ...

, a feeder line branches from a main line or trunk line. In

electrical engineering Electrical engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identifiable occupation in the l ...

, a feeder line is a type of

transmission line In electrical engineering, a transmission line is a specialized cable or other structure designed to conduct electromagnetic waves in a contained manner. The term applies when the conductors are long enough that the wave nature of the transmis ...

. In addition Feeders are the power lines through which electricity is transmitted in power systems. Feeder transmits power from Generating station or substation to the distribution points. They are similar to distributors except the fact that there is no intermediate tapping done and hence the current flow remains same at the sending as well as the receiving end. In radio engineering, a feeder connects radio equipment to an antenna, usually ''open wire'' (air-insulated wire line) or twin-lead from a shortwave transmitter. In

power engineering Power engineering, also called power systems engineering, is a subfield of electrical engineering that deals with the generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electric power, and the electrical apparatus connected to such sy ...

, a feeder line is part of an electric distribution network, usually a radial circuit of intermediate voltage.

In public transport

The concept of feeder lines is important in

public transportation Public transport (also known as public transit, mass transit, or simply transit) are forms of transport available to the general public. It typically uses a fixed schedule, route and charges a fixed fare. There is no rigid definition of whi ...

. The term is particularly used in US

air travel Air travel is a form of travel in vehicles such as airplanes, jet aircraft, helicopters, hot air balloons, blimps, Glider (aircraft), gliders, Hang gliding, hang gliders, parachuting, parachutes, or anything else that can sustain flight.

and

rail transport Rail transport (also known as train transport) is a means of transport using wheeled vehicles running in railway track, tracks, which usually consist of two parallel steel railway track, rails. Rail transport is one of the two primary means of ...

. Feeder lines play a crucial role in public transportation systems by ensuring connectivity between high-capacity routes and more localized departure and destination points. In this hierarchical network, efficient, high-capacity routes serve as the main arteries, linking significant nodes such as major transit stations or central business districts. Feeder lines, on the other hand, branch off from these main routes, connecting smaller or more remote areas to these hubs. This structure helps facilitate smooth and efficient travel across a region, allowing passengers to transition seamlessly from local to long-distance travel segments. For instance, in urban transit planning, bus routes often act as feeders to high-capacity systems like subways or light rail, collecting passengers from various neighborhoods and transporting them to major transit hubs. This setup is essential for optimizing the overall efficiency and accessibility of public transportation networks, ensuring that even areas not directly served by high-capacity routes can still benefit from the broader transit system.

In public transport

See also