track

[ironman2012]

Hi,

Railroads also propelled the growth of small towns along their routes. The Illinois Central Railroad, which had more track than any other railroad in 1855, made money not only from its traffic but also from real estate speculation. Purchasing land for stations along its path, the Illinois Central then laid out towns around the stations.

(This reading comprehension comes from TOEFL Practice Online about American Railroads.)

Does "track" mean "a track with a number at a train station that a train arrives at or leaves from"?

Thanks in advance!

 

[TheIntricateWillows]

Hello,

The word track refers to a railway/railroad track. In this specific setting, "more track" refers to the railroad having more distance than any other railroad.

Hope this helps!

 

[dojibear]

The Illinois Central Railroad, which had more track than any other railroad in 1855

All trains travel on tracks. "More track" simply means "more miles of train tracks, that the company has created".

 

[kentix]

If you added up all their track lengths going to all the different cities they provided service for, the total was greater than any other railroad company.