Mixed train

A mixed train or mixed consist is a train that contains both passenger and freight cars or wagons.^[1] In some countries, the term refers to a freight train carrying various different types of freight rather a single commodity. Although common in the early days of railways, by the 20th century they were largely confined to branch lines with little traffic. Typically, service was slower, because mixed trains usually involved the shunting (switching) of rolling stock at stops along the way. However, some earlier passenger expresses, which also hauled time-sensitive freight in covered goods wagons (boxcars), would now be termed mixed trains. Generally, toward the end of the mixed train era, shunting at intermediate stops had significantly diminished. Most railway passenger and freight services are now administered separately.

Mixed train at Port Pirie, South Australia, 1951

Mixed train, Bière–Apples–Morges railway, Switzerland, c.1970