What is the Difference Between Monorail and Metro Rail?

Monorail and metro rail are two popular forms of transport that have some differences in terms of design, capacity, speed, and usage. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Number of Rails: Metro rail uses two rails to run, while monorail only uses one rail.
2. Capacity: Metro rail has a higher capacity, typically carrying thousands of people, whereas monorail has a smaller capacity, usually around 150 to 180 passengers.
3. Speed: Metro rail is generally faster than monorail, with some systems having unlimited speed limits.
4. Location: Monorails can travel in short, congested streets, whereas metro rail cannot go in overcrowded, busy streets.
5. Vehicle Design: Metro and monorail vehicles have distinct designs, with monorail cars typically having a single row of seats and a smaller overall size.
6. Transport Network: Metros are often part of a wider transport network, connecting to other forms of transport like cross-country rail, trams, or buses. Monorails, on the other hand, tend to be standalone systems with less emphasis on multimodality.
7. Usage: Monorails are more likely to be found in places like amusement parks, resorts, and airports, while metros are more common in large urban areas.
8. Cost: Monorails are typically more expensive than metros, mainly due to the elevated track type and smaller scale of the system.
9. Construction Time: Monorails can be built faster with less physical infrastructure compared to metro rails.
10. Space Consumption: Monorails consume minimal space due to their smaller size.

Comparative Table: Monorail vs Metro Rail

Here is a table comparing the differences between monorail and metro rail:

Monorails and metro rails serve different purposes in urban transportation. Monorails are often used for long-distance trips and carrying people from transit hubs to destinations, while metro rails are better for longer-distance trips and carrying commuters in and out of the city. Monorails may be more expensive to build than a regular metro line, and their equipment may be average to mediocre compared to modern metro tracks and train sets.