What are the categories of monorail transportation systems?

1. Straddle-type monorail railway

The trains of the straddle-type monorail railway sit astride the track. The straddle-type monorail was first invented by Alweg GmbH in Germany. The advantage of the straddle type is that it is easier to escape, and it is less likely to cause pressure on vehicles and pedestrians on the ground and cause accidents. Passengers also have a higher sense of security.

The disadvantage is that like ordinary elevated railways, their operation will be affected by weather conditions such as snow. Also, because the center of gravity is relatively high, the turning radius cannot be too small, and the switches are also complicated. There are currently many monorail technologies and the cost is relatively low.

2. Suspended Monorail Railway

The trains of the suspended monorail railway are suspended under the track. The French Management and Business Research Co., Ltd. was the first to propose a suspended monorail. It was also the earliest monorail technology to appear. It is also called "sky rail" or "air rail" in mainland China, which is an "air rail". Or "Sky Rail" for short.

The advantage of the suspended type is that its center of gravity is located below the track, the turning stability is better, and the turning radius can be smaller. The structural design of the switch is also relatively simple, which is suitable for twists and turns and limited space. Lines, and some of them adopt built-in track designs, which have the advantage of resisting weather problems. Especially in areas prone to snow such as mid-high latitudes or altitudes, the tracks are not easily affected by snow or ice.

The disadvantage is that like a cableway, it can easily cause pressure on vehicles and pedestrians on the ground, and it is also prone to accidents. In addition, it is not easy to escape. Therefore, there is currently less monorail technology, which also causes this technology. The cost is relatively high.

China Monorail System

1. Chongqing: There are two straddle-type monorails in the city. Among them, Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 was officially put into operation in 2005. Chongqing Rail Transit Line 3, which has an emergency passage for passengers, started carrying passengers at the end of September 2011.

2. Wuhu: Wuhu Rail Transit Line 1 will begin passenger operations on November 3, 2021.

3. Xi'an: Qujiang Tourism Monorail Line, located in Qujiang New District, is a supporting tourism project of Qujiang New District. The line starts from Huanta East Road and passes through Dayan Pagoda North Square, Yanta South Road, Yanta South Road, and Yanta South Road. South 2nd Road, Qujiangchi Neihuanhu Road, Beichitou 1st Road, Furong East Road, ending at Guangchang East Road, with a total length of about 9.3 kilometers. The operating mode is monorail one-way loop traffic.

4. Shenzhen: The Happy Main Line connecting Splendid China, Window of the World, and Happy Valley tourist resorts in OCT.

5. Yinchuan: The Yinchuan Flower Expo Cloud Rail Loop is 5.67 kilometers long and opened for operation in September 2017.

6. Liupanshui: Operated with passengers in 2019.