A single line of rail- based transit is more efficient in moving people than an 8-lane freeway during peak hours.
-Wiki
No wonder why no modern metropolis anywhere in the world is without it. But which type of rail transit is best suited for Cebu?
Come and join the conversation.
A Monorail(above) is a transport system that runs on single rail while a Light Rail Transit(below) moves on 2 rails.
To BRT fans, your preferred mode of transport is no longer considered a viable option. Many countries have actually abandoned their BRT programs lately. An interesting topic for another day.
So, LRT or Monorail? Lets explore.
1. COST
A. Construction– An LRT may appear cheaper but only if it is entirely or even just portions, built at grade or in street level,
However, if entire line is elevated, Monorail is more cost-efficient with its leaner and less sophisticated physical structure.
B. Right of Way. For a high-density city like Cebu, where cost of land is high, right-of-way acquisition is a major item in the budget consideration.
An elevated LRT requires 7 meters of space while a Monorail needs only 4.5 meters. The stations and platforms do not vary much from each other.
A meter of space stretched over an entire train line translates to millions of pesos in savings.
2. SPEED
Monorails are designed for high speed. It can run up to 70 km/h compared to the LRT average of 40 km/h.
3. CAPACITY:
Based on existing models, an LRT/ MRT can move 25,000 passengers per hour (each direction) as compared to the 15,000 capacity of Monorails. However, both systems can be upgraded to run faster.
4. TIMETABLE
Monorails are easier and faster to build. Narrow beams require less construction material and allow for use of pre- fabricated guide-way segments.
Modern Monorail designs use slender beams that can be easily integrated on existing buildings and structures.
5. Environmental Impact
Both systems use clean energy but Monorails, with its less imposing elevated structure provides minimal visual obstruction.
It also has better performance on steep grades with its rubber tire traction as opposed to steel wheels of an LRT, and rubber tires mean a quiet ride. LRT’s produce an annoying squeaky sound.
So its a Monorail for me, and they should build it fast. How about you, what’s your verdict?
Helpful links:
Cebu Monorail Proposal
LRT Proposal for Cebu
InfoCebu 