The Chongqing Monorail was originally scheduled to open in 2005 but now appears to be ahead of schedule. Perhaps one of the Chinese speaking members of this forum can confirm this. The official website is in Chinese:

http://www.cqmetro.cn/

This is a high capacity system extending 19 km and designed to carry 30,000 people per hour. The trains are based on a Hitachi design. The following are some pictures:

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic8.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic9.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic10.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic1.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic3.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic4.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic5.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic6.jpg

If any members of this forum have more pictures and/or information, please share.

The following are some more pictures dredged from deep within the official Chongqing Metro website:

http://www.cqmetro.cn/

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic11.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic12.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic13.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic14.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic15.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic16.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic17.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic18.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic19.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic20.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic21.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic22.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic23.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic24.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic25.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic26.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic27.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic28.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic29.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic30.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic31.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic32.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic33.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic34.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic35.jpg

Now I know why they use Monorail in Chongqing, I guess its too mountainous to make regular trains and subway. I like it when the monorail goes through the buildings kinda cool.

Scenic monorail! :cool:

This is incredible!!!
I mean, this is going to be used by real people, it is not some showcase thing for rich Westernes, like the MagLev in Shanghai. I can hardly imagine this thing really exists! It's so slick!
<packs his bags and is off to Chongqing>

fantastic!!!

Great pictures.I like the way it winds along the hillside and into the city.Its looks like patronage is going to be very high judging on the number a residents who live near it

Hey, I thought that the monorail system was still under construction, wow it seems that they're testing it rite now... that's kool dude

That looks beautiful. Is Monorail somehow better than using a regular train? I was just wondering why they picked Monorail.

Chongqing's geography probably limits the viability to build underground heavy rail (costs could become exorbitant and a burden for riders to compensate for), so maybe elevated monorail is more affordable than elevated conventional rail?

They like to build the monorail cut through the building...

Chongqing's geography probably limits the viability to build underground heavy rail (costs could become exorbitant and a burden for riders to compensate for), so maybe elevated monorail is more affordable than elevated conventional rail?

I know that regular rail subways and elevated trains run pretty fast but I was wondering if Monorail runs at similar speeds. For some reason the Monorail looks slow to me. Maybe I'm wrong about that but it appears that it would be a slow mode of transportation. I can't see it zooming along at 60mph (100kph )

The maximum operating speed is 80 km/h, which is about 50 mph. The trains used in Chongqing are the Hitachi Large Type. Hitachi's monorail website is:

http://www.hitachi-rail.com/products/monorail/index.html

Some specifications appear below:

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/spec/hitsp1.GIF

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/spec/hitsp2.gif

Large Type
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/spec/typlg.gif

Standard Type
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/spec/typstd.gif

Small Type
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/spec/typsm.gif

Excellent! The world needs more monorails.

The Chongqing Monorail initiated full service on June 18:

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/mediamonitor/article_1015983.php/Japan-funded_monorail_inaugurated_in_Chinas_Chongqing

Japan-funded monorail inaugurated in China's Chongqing
Jun 18, 2005, 10:40 GMT

Text of report in English by Japanese news agency Kyodo

Chongqing, China, 18 June: A ceremony was held Saturday [18 June] to mark the inauguration of a 13.5-km monorail in Chongqing, central China, with Japanese bureaucrats and top businessmen attending, as the project was largely funded by Japan's yen loans.

"We hope that this facility will be used and loved by Chinese citizens for long and will become a bridge nurturing friendly ties between Japan and China," Satoshi Iwamura, Japan's vice-minister for land, infrastructure and transport, said in a speech.

The Japanese government financed a 27bn-yen portion of the 47bn-yen monorail project, whose construction began in 2000.

The monorail is the first to be built in China with Japanese technology. It was constructed by Hitachi Ltd and a Chinese railway car manufacturer in the northeastern province of Jilin, with Hitachi providing the Chinese firm with its monorail designing technology and operation management know-how.

Chongqing Mayor Wang Hongju said at the ceremony, "The monorail provides a range of advantages in that it does not produce much noise and does not take up much land. In addition, it helps ease traffic congestion."

"This monorail can transport 200 million passengers annually, so we are planning to extend the route in the coming years," said Wang. Chongqing is a key location for the Chinese government's plan to expedite the development of the Chinese inland.

The event was also attended by Nippon Steel Corp Chairman Akira Chihaya and other Japanese businessmen, who came at the Chinese invitation.

Chihaya is set to become the next chairman of the Japan-China Economic Association, a group of Japanese business organizations promoting economic links with China.

The ceremony likely signals that the economic ties between the two countries remain strong despite bilateral political relations having soured in recent years, mainly due to repeated visits by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and other senior Japanese politicians to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Class-A World War II war criminals as well as Japan's war dead.

Anti-Japanese sentiment is said to be strong in Chongqing, the largest of China's four provincial-level municipalities, as many local people were killed there during the Sino-Japanese War in bombings by Japanese warplanes.

Observers said China wanted to impress the Japanese side with the day's ceremony to stress the importance of Japan's continued economic cooperation and investment in China, as Tokyo plans to end its yen loans to the country, which has shown dramatic economic growth.

Japan's Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura said in March that he has "basically agreed with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing that Japan will end fresh yen loans by the time of the Beijing Olympics" in 2008.

Since 1980, Japan has given China 3.133 trillion-yen in low-interest loans, 145bn yen in grants and 144bn yen worth of technical cooperation.

Source: Kyodo News Service, Tokyo, in English 0750 gmt 18 Jun 05

BBC Mon AS1 AsPol sg

Copyright 2005 BBC Monitoring Service distributed by United Press International

A nice system!

The elevated monorail tracks are much leaner and more elegant than those of conventional rails! They spoil the cityscape much less than elevated railway structures.

The world's monorails:
http://www.monorails.org/

That looks so sweet. Is this the same type of system that Seattle is going to build?

I think Monorails have been given a bum rap in NA becuase people think they are only good for airports and amusement parks. I think they make msre sence than SkyTrain has they have the same ridership capacity but are cheaper to build.

That looks so sweet. Is this the same type of system that Seattle is going to build?

The Chongqing monorail uses 4-car trains of the Hitachi Large Type. The new Seattle monorail will use 2-car trains of the Hitachi Standard Type:

Seattle train from Cascadia Monorail website:
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/clvsgl/gltrain2.jpg

Seattle train from Seattle Monorail Project website:
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/clvsgl/simulation.jpg

Interior views from similar Hitachi trains from Seattle Monorail Project website:
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/clvsgl/interior1.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/clvsgl/interior2.jpg

A 6-car Hitachi Standard Type train at Tokyo Disneyland:
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/spec/hitstdpic.jpg

A 2-car Hitachi Standard Type train in Naha, Okinawa, which are similar to the Seattle trains but have different noses:
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/monorev/naha.JPG

Unfortunately, the trains will not be compatible with Seattle's existing 1962 World's Fair Alweg trains:
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/spec/alweg.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/monorev/sea.jpg

The following figure provides a comparison of train capacities:
http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/monocap/Image93.gif

Regarding the arrangement of the beamway, the Seattle system will be fundamentally different from the Chongqing system in that the beamway will not follow the center of the streets. Like most monorail systems, the Chongqing system features a beamway that follows the centers of the streets and has stations that straddle the streets. The Seattle system will have the beamway at the edge of the streets and the stations will be off to one side.

On Monday, June 20, design information from Cascadia Monorail for the Seattle system is to be released to the public. Information on the financing of the new monorail will be released on June 30. Financing issues could still derail the project.

For more information, see the following websites:

Seattle Monorail Project:
http://www.elevated.org/

Cascadia Monorail:
http://www.cascadiamonorail.com/

Hitachi Monorail:
http://www.hitachi-rail.com/products/monorail/index.html

I think Monorails have been given a bum rap in NA becuase people think they are only good for airports and amusement parks. I think they make msre sence than SkyTrain has they have the same ridership capacity but are cheaper to build.

They are much more costly to maintain and operate they also are almost as expensive as Skytrain. The overal most efficant most bang for your buck is an LRT like the one in Portland, but ALRT and Monrails are faster and much nicer to use.

They are much more costly to maintain and operate they also are almost as expensive as Skytrain. The overal most efficant most bang for your buck is an LRT like the one in Portland, but ALRT and Monrails are faster and much nicer to use.

Light rail can be built for much lower cost if it can take advantage of an existing right of way or if it is built in the street. If it is built in the street, it is operationally slower and less safe because it must deal with motor vehicle traffic.

Sound Transit had a study performed that compared monorail, light rail, and bus rapid transit (BRT) for a line extending to the east side of Lake Washington. The study concluded that monorail would be more expensive to build because an existing tunnel would have to be modified due to the height of the monorail trains; however, the study only looked at the Hitachi and Bombardier trains that have been proposed for the new Seattle monorail line. The study did not look at the Las Vegas monorail trains, which are not as tall. A further finding of the study was that monorail would be less expensive to operate than light rail. The main advantage that light rail offers is that Sound Transit is already building a light rail line that could be integrated with the east lake line. This offers operational efficiencies that should attract greater ridership.

The main conclusion of the study was that BRT would be far cheaper than either monorail or light rail though it was claimed that BRT would attract fewer passengers. After the study was published, it was identified that there were errors in the cost estimates for the BRT system. The cost advantage of BRT is actually significantly greater than is indicated in the study. A link to the study is provided below:

http://www.soundtransit.org/pdf/projects/seis/1_I-90_East%20King%20County%20High%20Capacity%20transit%20Analysis%20-%20.pdf

Here are a few newspaper articles regarding the study:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/transportation/218247_transit31.html?searchpagefrom=1&searchdiff=80

http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=soundeast31m&date=20050331&query=%2Bmonorail+%2B%22sound+transit%22+%2Bbellevue

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002273252_sound13m.html

Of all systems to ride I prefer LRT. I like having transit on the grade level and being able to pick upoff there. I don't like having to go itno these huge underground complexes to get a train or go up to catch one. I find at grade more user friendly like Toronto's RedRockets or Calgary's CTrain.

are they planning to build the whole public transport network in Chongqing with that monorail, or just that single line?

they are planning to build a network of monorails and seeing how the landscape is overthere monorail is best suited for this because its very mountainess

Seeing as this is an old thread, does anyone know how successful this system is? Considering how they want to build an entire transit network with monorails, this city could become the showpiece for monorails being a true rapid transit solution and dispel all myths of monorails, just as London made subways a viable form of transit (I'm sure running a train underground 150 years ago sounded insane).

As greg_christine pointed out, while light rail is great where it can run away from traffic, in dense urban areas you either have to run it in mixed traffic (slow and dangerous), below ground (expensive), or above ground (larger tracks = eyesore). Monorails in the sky look much nicer than elevated LRT, and in theory are better at servicing dense urban areas than LRT and are cheaper than subways.

pretty much this city can do what Metros did for london and that was an engineering feat at the time

this city in china can become where Monorail networks are more common and it can make it very unique in that part

^^ Here's hoping. The unfortunate reality is that tunneling underground is becoming more costly than it is worth, and while light rail in dedicated corridors is a great form of transit, running through the middle of the road streetcar style is not a practical solution for the long term, and it is generally too bulky to be above ground through dense urban areas.

First, the Chongqing monorail is quite successful, from what I have seen (I was there in the summer of 2006, just after the extension to Xinshancun opened). It was not as jam-packed as the subways in Beijing and Shanghai, but it was still usually crowded, especially during rush hours.

Second, though some of the other lines Chongqing is planning to build are monorails, most are not. Line 2 is a monorail because it was most practical for its route (along the south bank of the Jialing River, then winding down into the southern suburbs). However, Line 1, currently under construction, is going to be a subway, since it runs more or less down the heart of the Chongqing peninsula - I don't have the technical details, but I assume this means heavy rail of the type used in other Chinese cities. The other planned lines of the metro will probably, similarly, use methods appropriate to their route; for example, I believe that Line 3, which will cross both the Jialing and the Yangtze Rivers as it travels north to south through the city, will be either a monorail or a light rail (it doesn't help that I don't know the distinction between these in Chinese, so it's hard to find online).

For more info on Chongqing, check out its Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chongqing_Metro). I updated it a few months ago, so it should be reasonably current, though I haven't actually been following Chongqing news recently. As currently planned, the first phase of Line 3 will open in 2010, and Line 1 in 2011. Chaoyangmen to Shapingba by subway - totally awesome! No more hour-long cramped bus rides!

I really don't think monorails should have any kind of stigma attached to them. I mean Chongqing's monorail cars are the same width as a NYC subway car. Once they add enough cars (at least 6, preferably 8), its capacity would approach that of heavy rail subways. I mean looking at the size of Chongqing monorail cars, they can't have smaller capacity than Chicago's El right?

Light rails on the other hand, have too low capacity for a city as dense as Chongqing to rely solely on.

The Chongqing Monorail uses exactly the same stock as the Tokyo Monorail which is the highest capacity carrying Monorail system in the world.. So generally, if they use this particular stock, it's as good as subway lines.

Minor update: according to this article (http://www.cq.xinhuanet.com/news/2007-12/12/content_11917700.htm) (sorry, Chinese only), the average daily ridership on Line 2 is about 100,000 boardings, and the highest it has been was 200,000. So nothing incredibly high, but hey, there's only one line so far - I assume it will get better as they continue to expand.

The article also says that three more lines (Line 1, Line 3, Line 6) will be completed by 2013. Lines 1 and 6 will be subways, Line 3 either a light rail or a monorail (Chinese terminology doesn't differentiate these clearly); these three lines combined will be 82 km long.

By 2020, there will be seven lines in Chongqing: six "normal" lines (extending from downtown into the suburbs) and one ring line.

I've seen info on Lines 1 and 3 before, but I don't know much about Line 6; anyone else?

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic14.jpg
quite fond of that shot!

Look, the monorail goes through a sculpture!

http://webpages.charter.net/g.vassilakos/cqmetro/pic21.jpg

that looks like a building

:bash:
The Chinese nation is taking the lead in new transportations systems, and in doing so will become the economic powerhouse that the USA use to be. If we in USA do not start also looking at systems like these to solve our own gridlock then in less then 20 years we will become a 3rd world nation. Light and heavy rail are only part of the solution to solving gridlock. We need to integrate our transportation systems so we take advantage of existing systems and build new systems like this to solve new problems. In the north of Boston, MASS and there are no good ways for thousands of commuters to get to their jobs but by the car on gridlock highways.

:cheers:

Not a real building, just an empty shell that the monorail goes through, so that's why I call it a sculpture (is there any better terminology?).

The current monorail includes 3 subway stations. If the monoraial can be built as a subway, why cana't a conventional metro?

They just chose the monorail, coz it's running above the streets usually, underground sections are when passing through mountains.

Some videos

lcYyT0WRXRI

DcUIaZYxxGQ

Nice videos! It is nice to see how easily the train negotiates such steep hills and sharp curves! Chongqing looks like such a spectacular city which I would love to visit some day!

Gka2cDrAvKw

I think, finally, that Monorails are seriously being looked at as cost effective rapid/mass transit intead of little people movers for amuzement parks and zoos. There are more monorails being built right now for real mass transit than ever before and it seems to be picking up speed with one's under construction and other large ones planned suchas in India, Vietnam, and possible Brazil.

It's ideal for space saving purposes or difficult terrain to dig in, making elevated options a most cost effective one.

Chongqing rapid transit plans have been updated. Now they will build 17 lines and 773 kilometers. And 513 of them in 10 lines will be ready in 2020.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_3137.jpg

The :crazy: thing is that the source is not the Chinese subforum, but Spanish :D.

^^ That's an insane amount of rail lines. Heck, Chongqing could give both Shanghai and Beijing a run for their money when it comes to total urban railway network mileage.

I bet the China's central government is grooming Chongqing to be the fourth major urban center in the country after the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing-Tianjin urban corridor.

They are not just grooming it to be, it already is. I just got back from China and spent a day in Chongqing while in transit. I wish that I had planned more time, at least a few days. It is a great city, very green with lots of tree cover, nice walkable areas, and the monorail is a nice system, though limited right now. The aerial trams are cool too. Chongqing is an amazing city that will give a lot of the more known cities in China a run for their tourist dollars soon.

Steve

there are some related viedeos,hope you like them

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTUyNzkxMDk2.html

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTM3MTE0MjA4.html

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTI1MzcyMDg=.html

this is an old vidoe of bridview of chongqing, 3 years ago. may help to give the first impression of this mountain city.
http://video.soso.com/playvbox/%E4%BF%AF%E7%9E%B0%E9%87%8D%E5%BA%86/?zd=0&start=0&ourl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.56.com%2Fu54%2Fv_MzU0MDM1ODc.html&title=%E9%B8%9F%E7%9E%B0%E9%87%8D%E5%BA%86%E7%BE%8E%E6%99%AF&cid=td.v

Line 3 U/C. Opens mid 2011. 21 km.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3322.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3090.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3077.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3069.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3068.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3063.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3056.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3311.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3308.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3304.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/others3/Ditiezu_nEO_IMG_DSCF3336.jpg

Since parts of this monorail operate in subway tunnels, maybe we can have a new transit category, like mono-metro?

Since parts of this monorail operate in subway tunnels, maybe we can have a new transit category, like mono-metro?

Good one! :)

However, operation in a tunnel does not classify a system as a metro. Capacity, frequency, grade separation, signaling, and acceleration are what make a metro a metro. You can have light rail, commuter rail, trams/street cars, or even buses operate in tunnels. This is simply a monorail that operates elevated and below ground - which is pretty cool, IMO! :)

Steve

They are not just grooming it to be, it already is. I just got back from China and spent a day in Chongqing while in transit. I wish that I had planned more time, at least a few days. It is a great city, very green with lots of tree cover, nice walkable areas, and the monorail is a nice system, though limited right now. The aerial trams are cool too. Chongqing is an amazing city that will give a lot of the more known cities in China a run for their tourist dollars soon.

Steve

I also have been to Chongqing many many times, and totally agree with the above statements. I think CQ could hang with most world cities and is doing many things CORRECTLY in every facet as it grows and develops. It is amazing to visit from one year to the next, not only in the explosion of new towers under construction and completed, but just the cleanliness of the air and the ease of getting around. YES, Chongqing is ALREADY China's 4th urban center, already one of the national central cities - and most likely officially become #3 central city very soon after Shanghai and Beijing.

These pictures just dont do justice the the scale of the city or the monorail. Steve, you might be technically correct, but this monorail is big enough (same as Tokyo and Osaka Large/Heavy Hitachi Monorail) that it has capacity/frequency similar to metros, is grade separated, signal prioritization, etc. Also, Line 2 is underground in the densest parts of the city, just like metros (not all metros are all underground). Therefore, I still consider Line 2 to be the first metro system in West China (even though technically Chengdu's recently opened Line 1 is, since Chongqing Rapid Transit Line 2 is 'light' rail).

but I really can't wait until next year when Line 1 is supposed to open - all underground METRO subway from Chaotianmen/Jeifangbei downtown to Daping to Shapingba! Then we can FINALLY call CRT a "true" metro system.

I can imagine Line 1 will be HEAVILY USED!! :banana:

Steve, you might be technically correct, but this monorail is big enough (same as Tokyo and Osaka Large/Heavy Hitachi Monorail) that it has capacity/frequency similar to metros, is grade separated, signal prioritization, etc. Also, Line 2 is underground in the densest parts of the city, just like metros (not all metros are all underground). Therefore, I still consider Line 2 to be the first metro system in West China (even though technically Chengdu's recently opened Line 1 is, since Chongqing Rapid Transit Line 2 is 'light' rail).

I could not agree more!:banana: What I meant is that the current line is limited in length and cover of the city right now, but that of course is being changed as the system grows.

Steve

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k564/tampasteve1/Chongqingmonorail.jpg

I took this back in July and I think this is taken just before entering the Xiejiawan station...but I could be wrong.

Steve

12.28 Line 1 and Line 3 on trial run today

http://bigtu.eastday.com/img/201012/28/41/8187926487369042065.jpg

http://bigtu.eastday.com/img/201012/28/21/4008143308783148377.jpg

Line 1 phase I: underground subway, 16.5km, 14 stations, officially opening in June 2011;

Line 2: light rail, 19.15km, 19 stations, opened on 12/28/2004;

Line 3 phase I: light rail, 21.16km, 17 stations, officially opening in June 2011;

Source (http://news.eastday.com/c/20101228/u1a5635365.htmlv)

[QUOTE=big-dog;69626017]12.28 Line 1 and Line 3 on trial run today

Great news, thanks for sharing!

What a completely impressive system! I can't believe it's a monorail system too!

I love that portions are subway. Are there any other monorail subways?

Steve

Shonan in Japan: not really a real subay but still underground:)

http://i53.tinypic.com/11m6u8j.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2pz0ej6.jpg

I love that portions are subway. Are there any other monorail subways?

Yes, some parts of Haneda Monorail in tokyo suburbs, crossing the harbour, pass under water in tunnel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQMt5-m1A9c

A+

True those are monorails that go through tunnels, but are there any other systems with stations underground like Chongqing?

Pic of Linjiangmen station (underground monorail station)
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/images/photogallery/2010/chongqing-subway-line2.jpg
(From www.travelchinaguide.com)

Steve

The People's Daily Online has a pictorial of the trial run of Line 3:
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90783/91300/7244886.html
http://www.people.com.cn/mediafile/pic/20101228/1/15388662599339041933.jpg

http://www.people.com.cn/mediafile/pic/20101228/54/11443068601797079246.jpg

more pics at the link.


Steve

True those are monorails that go through tunnels, but are there any other systems with stations underground like Chongqing?

Yes, on the Tokyo Monorail, the Haneda Airport stations Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are underground,as well as Shinseibijo and Tenkubashi Stations:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ8yNCCmBhU&feature=related

*note this video is old, it does not show the new route and station serving the newly opened international terminal.

Yes, on the Tokyo Monorail, the Haneda Airport stations Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are underground,as well as Shinseibijo and Tenkubashi Stations:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ8yNCCmBhU&feature=related

*note this video is old, it does not show the new route and station serving the newly opened international terminal.

That is cool! Thanks for the info!

Steve

Build MORE !!! relieve CQ traffic jam !!!

Line 2 is very similar to Seattle's Link Lightrail, with a combination of ground level, elevated, and underground stations, though Chongqing Line 2's train is way more frequent.

The city and the monorail look horrible. Concrete madness... yuck.

The city and the monorail look horrible. Concrete madness... yuck.

Although I'm pretty sure you are just trolling, I kinda agree that monorail car looks pretty hideous.

Line 2 is very similar to Seattle's Link Lightrail, with a combination of ground level, elevated, and underground stations, though Chongqing Line 2's train is way more frequent.

Hmmwv, Line 2 is NOTHING like Seattle's Link system. Link is a Light Rail Transport system, similar to Portland's. If anything, Chongqing's Line 2 has characteristics of Seattle's Monorail, but CQ is much higher capacity.

Chongqing Line 2 is very similar (ie, same) to Osaka Monorail (and Haneda Monorail) in Japan; same company for all 3. All three are essentially HEAVY Rail cars on a monorail - hence they can handle crush loads well above 35,000 pphpd.

There is no way Seattle's Link can come anywhere close to this and Link rides on twin rails/track with electricity from catenary. Way different, no comparison at all.

By the way, the city and metro system look MUCH better in person. For some reason (maybe the constant fog) makes CQ look worse in pictures. It is a true hazy steamy city but is wonderful if/when the sun comes out.

I like what Wikipedia says sometimes...
Chongqing Rail Transit is currently expected to have 6 lines crisscrossing the urban districts of the city, in addition to one loop line connecting them.

And then there's a list with future lines, which counts up to 18 (The last one doesn't appear on the map I posted a while ago), which is more than twice the initial number (7 lines)!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chongqing_Rail_Transit

Hmmwv, Line 2 is NOTHING like Seattle's Link system. Link is a Light Rail Transport system, similar to Portland's. If anything, Chongqing's Line 2 has characteristics of Seattle's Monorail, but CQ is much higher capacity.

Chongqing Line 2 is very similar (ie, same) to Osaka Monorail (and Haneda Monorail) in Japan; same company for all 3. All three are essentially HEAVY Rail cars on a monorail - hence they can handle crush loads well above 35,000 pphpd.

There is no way Seattle's Link can come anywhere close to this and Link rides on twin rails/track with electricity from catenary. Way different, no comparison at all.

By the way, the city and metro system look MUCH better in person. For some reason (maybe the constant fog) makes CQ look worse in pictures. It is a true hazy steamy city but is wonderful if/when the sun comes out.

My comment was about whether station arrangement has anything to do with calling it a subway. Both Link and TriMet have a combination of ground, elevated, and underground stations, just like Chongqing Line 2.

The city and the monorail look horrible. Concrete madness... yuck.

ok, now its obvious you're trolling

I find looks of monorail futuristic, like it.

Does somebody have the current map with the next extensions in a bigger size?

My comment was about whether station arrangement has anything to do with calling it a subway. Both Link and TriMet have a combination of ground, elevated, and underground stations, just like Chongqing Line 2.

hmmwv, Chongqing Line 2 doesn't have any ground stations. All are either underground or elevated and all are fully grade segregated. Also, stations platforms have barrier gates (like at SeaTac) that prevent somebody from going onto the rail, much like other Chinese Heavy systems.

There really aren't any similarities with Link or Portland. Both systems have stations at grade and integrate with traffic, grade separated runs, with stations at, above, and below (does Portland have any below?). CQ if anything, has some similarities with Seattle Monorail in that it is ALWEG design, I believe - or at least looks like it [Seattle Monorail being a tourist/demonstrator and CQ being a fully functioning metro based on/built by Tokyo/Osaka 'Hitachi' Monorail].

Despite being a monorail, CQ Line 2 functions like a heavy rail subway in both design and use/capacity. The other CQ lines will either be heavy rail subway or similar 'light' rail/monorail design.

There hasn't been any posts here for a while. Does anyone have any pictures or video of the Line 3 in operation? Those look like some pretty sleek trains!! It will be nice to see pictures of the whole train from a nice angle!!

Does somebody have the current map with the next extensions in a bigger size?

This is the best one that I can find
http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad328/myouzke/Untitled-1.jpg

The train from line 3 looks like the one on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

Can someone tell me when line 2 + 3 will start? It`s important for me to plan my trips. Thank you for your help.

Line 2 is operating since 2004! You may refer to lines 1 and 3, which will open in June if I'm not mistaken.

Can't wait until mid-June when Line 1 and Line 3 debut. . Should do WONDERS for Chongqing traffic and perfect (Summer) timing!!!!

I find looks of monorail futuristic, like it.

for me is exactly the opposite. monorail looks like something from the past. something from the 50s but concieved in the 20s, like Brasilia.

it's just ugly, and it was old in the very moment of it's construction.

at least in Chongqing there's a real need for the system...

To each his own I suppose. I find monorails to be just another form or transit that looks as modern or as dated as any other metro system. As for Brasilia, it is an incredible city, perhaps the ideas on urban development were unsustainable, but the architecture is incredible, and yes, I have been there.


Steve

I think it's excellent that you got to experience the urban wonders of Brasilia.

So light rail monorails are going to serve a 10+ million metropolis? Even a smaller city such as Chengdu can have a proper metro system, why can't Chongqing have it?

Correct me if i'm wrong.

it's heavy monorail

So light rail monorails are going to serve a 10+ million metropolis? Even a smaller city such as Chengdu can have a proper metro system, why can't Chongqing have it?

Correct me if i'm wrong.

built on the hill, subways can't climb steep mountains while monorails can

built on the hill, subways can't climb steep mountains while monorails can

But capacity wise then? How many people can a full length train-set take? How often does it go? Do people view it as if it was a subway?

Changchun Rail Vehicles Co. Ltd
Licensed Hitachi Large Type
http://www.greg-vassilakos.com/monospec/CRC1.jpg
http://www.greg-vassilakos.com/monospec/CRC2.jpg
The drawing shows a 6-car train, but I believe the capacity of 882 passengers is based on a 4-car train, as the composition stated at the top of the table identifies a 4-car train.

They are also planning a conventional style metro. However, both monorail and standard metro are known as the metro.

see http://www.subways.net/china/chongqing.htm

and

http://www.echinacities.com/chongqing/city-in-pulse/chongqing-s-1st-subway-to-run-trial-operation-at-the-end-of.html

Apparently the opening of the two new lines has been delayed. According to Chinese Wiki line 1 will open at the very end of July (The 31st!), while line 3 will open in September.

So light rail monorails are going to serve a 10+ million metropolis? Even a smaller city such as Chengdu can have a proper metro system, why can't Chongqing have it?

Correct me if i'm wrong.

Chongqing is extremely hilly so it's almost impossible to build a large scale conventional subway system, proper subway can only serve certain districts which have the same ground elevation. If a large subway is used and it's designed to be built at the same elevation, then some station will be elevated, some will be ground level, and some underground.

So light rail monorails are going to serve a 10+ million metropolis? Even a smaller city such as Chengdu can have a proper metro system, why can't Chongqing have it?

Correct me if i'm wrong.

Vectro.

Thanks for the comments, let me correct things.

First off, this is not light monorail (ala Seattle Monorail), this is Heavy Monorail (ala Osaka Monorail or Tokyo Haneda Monorail). In fact, Chongqing Monorail cars (and system) comes from Japan - and its capacity per line is over 36,000 passengers per hour per direction. As you can see from the diagrams above, each car has 136 seats but can have a crush load almost 900 people. With 6 cars per train, well - That is the equivalent to most subway systems, and due to the very lengthy platforms I believe two trains can be connected (probably doubling capacity).

Chengdu is flat and spread out, so subway works there because it doesnt need to be as deep and can be built cheaply (almost all is cut and cover). This would NOT work in Chongqing, all subway tunnels are TBM'd.

I've ridden on Chongqing Metro Line 2 (a monorail) and believe me you can't tell that it is not a subway, it rides and feels like a true subway and it does look to be able to handle crush loads.

One other point - not every line in Chongqing will be monorail; however most will be due to the terrain of the city (as others have mentioned, which is mountaineous and river (valleys). These tremendous changes in elevation would require tremendously deep subway tunnels if it were all subway, and some stations would be ridiculously underground while others would not be. And again, Heavy Rail subways like to be flat where as monorails can climb quite well.

There will be 2 Heavy Rail subway lines, Line 1 and Line 6. Line 1 is scheduled to open any day now this year, Line 6 is tentatively scheduled to open next year sometime. Both are Heavy Rail subway and will have the capacity like other major world cities. Both heavy rail lines will go through Jeifangbei CBD, the main downtown, and line 1 will essentially go through the most dense part of the city (E-W Shapingba to Jeifangbei CBD/Chaotianmen).

Line 3 is a heavy monorail and will also open this year. It is being extended right as we speak to Jiangbei Airport although its initial routing will be from the north train station through Yuzhong (Caiyuanba Train Station) to Nanping CBD (south). In 2011, the bulk of the urban area of Chongqing will be covered with Line 1 (subway), 2 (heavy monorail), and 3 (heavy monorail). By 2012, nearly all of it will be covered with Line 6 (subway) added, as well as the extension to Line 3 to the airport.

Again, it would be nice for a city as big as Chongqing to have a proper, all heavy rail subway, but it is not practical on every route due to the elevation at ground level - which would necessitate extremely deep tunnles/stations to keep things level.

Come for a visit and check it out, Im sure the monorails will leave you impressed! :)

roller coaster style Chongqing metro

http://ww3.sinaimg.cn/bmiddle/68f5e3afjw1dih56jgmdcj.jpg

sina macroblog

First off, this is not light monorail (ala Seattle Monorail), this is Heavy Monorail (ala Osaka Monorail or Tokyo Haneda Monorail). In fact, Chongqing Monorail cars (and system) comes from Japan - and its capacity per line is over 36,000 passengers per hour per direction.



So is the advertised capacity per line of 36,000 phd using 4 car trains like in Chongqing or 6 car trains in the diagram or 8 car trains like tokyo monorail?



Again, it would be nice for a city as big as Chongqing to have a proper, all heavy rail subway, but it is not practical on every route due to the elevation at ground level - which would necessitate extremely deep tunnles/stations to keep things level.



I think a heavy monorail perfect for Chongqing. The only other technology that can handle such steep curves and grades is a rubber tired metro like the Mexico or Paris but since most of the alignment is elevated its much much cheaper to make a monorail. Compare building a viaduct for a rubber tired metro (like building a regular railroad viaduct) to a monorail viaduct (almost as easy as laying down a slab of concrete spanning the support pillars). plus Hitachi's monorails are the highest capacity monorails you can find, in fact the worlds most profitable monorail (Tokyo monorail) and the longest monorail line (Osaka monorail) both use the Hitachi design. IMO the planners at Chongqing made a perfect choice and found a perfect substitute for a metro.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/icons/icon14.gif
lcYyT0WRXRI

lb6xmRUx5h0

It seemed Chongqing was China's most populous city. Is/was this true?

^^Its China's and the world's largest municipality; 28 million people in an area larger than Taiwan.

"World's largest municipality" ≠ "world's largest city"

Shanghai is still China's most populous city. Chongqing is China's most populous municipality.

Ah! got it. :) Cheesh, 14M in the 90s, now nearly 30M :uh: must be a typo, no? "in an area larger than Taiwan"? Should that read Taipei?

At any rate, fascinating metro, Chongqing has. I plan on following its development. Its rides appear very appealing :)




"World's largest municipality" ≠ "world's largest city"
I find this statement queer coming from somebody who hails from a land where suburbia's de rigueur :?

Ah! got it. :) Cheesh, 14M in the 90s, now nearly 30M :uh: must be a typo, no?

No, China has a very serious urbanization. Almost all large cities have a similar population growth. Even if you count only the city population, China has 55 cities over 1 million (I suppose there's at least 40 of them that you've never heard about).

"in an area larger than Taiwan"? Should that read Taipei?
No, Chongqing municipality has an area about 2.5 times larger than the island of Taiwan while population has pretty less difference: Chongqing 28M, Taiwan 23M.

^^ Sorry for my confusion: I was asking about Taiwan/Taipei (I ought to have put a capital M to "must be a typo, no?"). :)

Can't wait for the two new metro lines set to open this year, Line 1 - heavy subway and Line 3 - new heavy monorail. Line 6 - another new heavy rail subway to open next year.

Exciting times for Chongqing, and these 3 new lines coupled with the existing Line 2 - heavy monorail will sure make a huge dent in the central city traffic/congestion. ...

heavy monorail will sure make a huge dent in the central city traffic/congestion. ...
Imagine...:drool:

:applause:

I find this statement queer coming from somebody who hails from a land where suburbia's de rigueur :?

WTF???

Anyway, to stem the ignorance and insolence, here is a map of China. Chongqing "municipality" is red; Taiwan is the island to the right.

The term "municipality" has a different meaning in China than it does in the rest of the world; same goes for the term "light rail" (which generally refers to an elevated heavy-rail line).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/China_Chongqing.svg

I find this statement queer coming from a bitchin' impotent stud :nuts: who hails from a land where suburbia's de rigueur (http://translate.google.ca/?hl=en&tab=wT#auto|en|de%20rigeur) :tongue:

I find this statement queer coming from a bitchin' impotent stud :nuts: who hails from a land where suburbia's de rigueur (http://translate.google.ca/?hl=en&tab=wT#auto|en|de%20rigeur) :tongue:
Let's not resort to insults. This isn't the skybar, after all.

Some line 1 photos.

It is said that the metal seats and poles have self sensing heating and cooling

http://i.imgur.com/issd5.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/7feuL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/V8b10.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/qMY98.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lfMWG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1MO3J.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZKVvp.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/whnaZ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/laYa4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/wfcaO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8RVi7.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dj3co.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/w9YJN.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NjiYV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jDWj1.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/qnhAD.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NBtIdh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QnQUf.jpg

^^ Funny how none of these photos show a waiting passenger's view of the railbeam (:dunno:)

well done

were those pics from Linjiangmen station?

Isn't it going to be a transfer station for Line 1 and Line 2 (and eventually Line 6)?

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20110728/002170196e1c0f9b701429.jpg

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20110728/002170196e1c0f9b701d2b.jpg

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20110728/002170196e1c0f9b70252c.jpg

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20110728/002170196e1c0f9b702a2d.jpg

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20110728/002170196e1c0f9b702d2e.jpg

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20110728/002170196e1c0f9b703b30.jpg

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20110728/002170196e1c0f9b70362f.jpg

Excellent-looking subway. I like the combination of conventional and monorail metros.

Wow! i really like the paintings on the ceiling and steps!

so does that mean Line 1 is in operation now? or still testing until the expected September?

nevermind, found the answer on my own. Woopee!!!

When I return to the city in September/October, we will definitely use Line 1. ....

Here is the news clip:

Chongqing's Metro Line 1 now open! (http://http://www.echinacities.com/chongqing/city-in-pulse/chongqing-s-metro-line-1-now-open.html)

On July 28th at 09:00, Chongqing Urban and Rural Construction Commission (http://english.cqnews.net/html/2011-07/28/content_7508012.htm) held the opening ceremony for the new Metro Line 1. The new line has 14 stations and runs east-west from Jiaochangkou to Shapingba taking 25 minutes for a complete journey.

At the first phase of its opening, line 1 will be limited to 10 operational stations, leaving four closed, namely Chaotianmen, Xiaoshenzi, Gaomiaocun and Majiayan. Tickets range from 2-4 RMB.

In the initial 10-days of operation, Line 1 has already broke the million rider mark, with Shapingba being the busiest station on the route. Impressive, though not too surprising.

Chongqing Today - Chongqing Rail Transit expansion (http://en.cq.gov.cn/ChongqingToday/News/3373.htm)

Can't wait until Line 3 opens in a few weeks. Then, next year with the opening of Line 6 (another conventional subway), Chongqing's core city will be well served by metro!

Chongqing metro line 3 opened yesterday (Sep-29 2011)

Line 3 phase I: 17.26 km, 15 stations

http://photocdn.sohu.com/20110929/Img320976311.jpg

http://photocdn.sohu.com/20110929/Img320976317.jpg

news.cn

That's awesome. Within the span of a few months, Chongqing has tripled its amount of transit lines. Line 3 is the first line to cross the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.

I think they meant, it opened September 29 (not October).

Great news, nonetheless - Chongqing now has 3 metro lines in operation!!!!

I looked at a map of the Chongqing metro system on the Urban Rail website < http://urbanrail.net/as/chon/chongqing.htm >. It appears the two monorail lines cross at Niujiatuo Station. I am not aware of any other place in the world where two public transit monorail lines cross. Does anyone have a photo of this station?

No, Chongqing municipality has an area about 2.5 times larger than the island of Taiwan while population has pretty less difference: Chongqing 28M, Taiwan 23M.

But yet, when I look at it in Google Maps, the city looks pretty small and is circled by forest. Where do they put their 28M inhabitants? Do they live up in the trees? :?

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Chongqing,+China&hl=en&ll=29.548969,106.565666&spn=0.086614,0.175781&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=40.27343,56.513672&vpsrc=6&hnear=Chongqing,+China&t=k&z=13

Well, Chongqing is not just the city. Wanzhou is technically a district of Chongqing despite being 223 kilometers in straight line from the city core.

I'm looking at the future extensions of current lines. Line 1 will eventually reach Binshan Qinggang, out of the outer ring, and will have 28 stations. Line 2 will be extended to Yudong and will have a branch from Tiantangbao to Zhongliangshan. It will have 28 stations. And finally line 3, which will run from Yudong to Jurenba and will have... 46 stations! And of course the other 15 lines.

Niujiatuo Station ... Does anyone have a photo of this station?
Mind your spelling (Niujiaotuo)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/59/208014712_e08bc2f4f2.jpg

There also appears to be a discrepancy in google maps as to the location of this station, thus I'm not certain if the following
image be of the same station:

http://v3.cache5.c.bigcache.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/10337819.jpg?redirect_counter=1
^^ clickable... (http://v3.cache5.c.bigcache.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/10337819.jpg?redirect_counter=1)

I don't see more than one pair of monorails in either photo, plus urbanrail.net's map indicates the lines intersecting outdoors :dunno:

If you look in Google Maps, this photo is accurate, just a little older (landscaping in the center). The crossing station is just south of the highway below in this picture.

If you look in Google Maps
▲▲ ;) ▼▼
There also appears to be a discrepancy in google maps
Furthermore, there's no compass bearing indicated to the photos I browsed. Besides, I've just read big-dog's announcement from yesterday (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=84264098#post84264098) http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/icons/icon11.gif, so I guess patience be the best suggestion for now.

I looked at a map of the Chongqing metro system on the Urban Rail website < http://urbanrail.net/as/chon/chongqing.htm >. It appears the two monorail lines cross at Niujiatuo Station. I am not aware of any other place in the world where two public transit monorail lines cross. Does anyone have a photo of this station?

Here is the 牛角沱 intersection
火车天下@ditiezu.com (http://www.ditiezu.com/)
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/3832/ditiezucomfile1113.jpg

I can sware Line 3's trains look just like those from Vancouver SkyTrain's Canada Line.

that pic is AWESOME!!! Love it, and so happy for Chongqing.

It's about time@!!!!!!

Mind your spelling (Niujiaotuo)
...

Thanks for alerting me of my misspelling. I can see the intersection in the Google aerial view at the following link.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=niujiaotuo,+Chongqing,+China&hl=en&ll=29.562637,10\6.538758&spn=0.003406,0.006968&sll=29.56301,106.551557&sspn=0.440771,0.543137&vp\src=6&hq=niujiaotuo,&hnear=Chongqing,+China&t=h&z=18

Line 2 follows the bank of the Jialing River. Line 3 crosses the river parallel to a bridge for motor vehicles. The stations for the two lines at Niujiaotuo are separate, but I am sure there is a walkway connecting them.

According to the map at Urbanrail < http://www.urbanrail.net/as/chon/chongqing.htm >, Line 3 also crosses the Yangtze River. Does anyone know the configuration of that crossing? Scanning across aerial photos, I don't see the line. Is it on the lower deck of a motor vehicle bridge?

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=niujiaotuo,+Chongqing,+China&hl=en&ll=29.562637,10\6.538758&spn=0.003406,0.006968&sll=29.56301,106.551557&sspn=0.440771,0.543137&vp\src=6&hq=niujiaotuo,&hnear=Chongqing,+China&t=h&z=18
Your curiosity's got my own peaking (monorail interchange station). Funny how none of the three pages' worth of your google target lists any part of the interchange station itself. Today, for example, google now pinpoints the Niujiaotuo police station on the opposite bank :nuts:

Thanks for alerting me of my misspelling. I can see the intersection in the Google aerial view at the following link.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=niujiaotuo,+Chongqing,+China&hl=en&ll=29.562637,10\6.538758&spn=0.003406,0.006968&sll=29.56301,106.551557&sspn=0.440771,0.543137&vp\src=6&hq=niujiaotuo,&hnear=Chongqing,+China&t=h&z=18

Line 2 follows the bank of the Jialing River. Line 3 crosses the river parallel to a bridge for motor vehicles. The stations for the two lines at Niujiaotuo are separate, but I am sure there is a walkway connecting them.

According to the map at Urbanrail < http://www.urbanrail.net/as/chon/chongqing.htm >, Line 3 also crosses the Yangtze River. Does anyone know the configuration of that crossing? Scanning across aerial photos, I don't see the line. Is it on the lower deck of a motor vehicle bridge?

The 牛角沱 Interchange passageway
火车天下@ditiezu.com (http://www.ditiezu.com)
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/1536/ditiezucomfile1068.jpg
口水机@ditiezu.com (http://www.ditiezu.com)
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/8026/ditiezucomimg4146.jpg

I believe Line 3 crossing the Yangtze mostly it will be a tunnel since the interchange station in Lianglukou Line 3 platform is below Line 1 platform and both platform are underground.

Thank you. Is it possible to photograph (a) the interchange station more/fully and (b) the crossing of Lines 2 and 3 itself?

What's the purpose of the concrete slab/decking underneath the sloping monorail line (second photo above)? :? Why (so soon) a temporary barrier down the passageway itself? Will a permanent one be installed (I see a couple of drilled holes at the bottom of the photo [right above])?

Urbanrail.net seems to have a decent map of the network, including line 6 which is U/C.

http://www.urbanrail.net/as/chon/chongqing.htm

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/3832/ditiezucomfile1113.jpg
Thank you, I overlooked this photo yesterday.

Fascinating :) Interesting that the newer line ends being the one having longer trains :uh:

Chongqing Monorail Line 3 extends from Yuanyang to north
2011-11-03 14:52:57

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Chongqing Rail Transit Group said on November 2, 2011, the last track girder in the section between Ertang and Chongqing Airport of Monorail Line 3 is set down. Meanwhile, the Garden Expo Station, Cuiyun Station and Changfu Road Station in the section between Yuanyang and Changfu on Line 3 will be opened to traffic on November 8.

Then the trial operation in the section between Lianglukou and Changfu on Line 3 will be realized, and 2 new trains will be added on this line. A full journey on the line will be increased to 35 minutes from the former 29 minutes.

Line 3 may extend to Chongqing Airport and Ertang. At that time, a complete trial operation of the 39.1 kilometers Chongqing Monorail Line 3, with 29 stations, will be finished. (Translated by Deng Jun, Fathom Language Limited)

wow, so very soon we will be able to take line 3 from the airport into the city. !!!

First city in the interior of China with an airport metro (and only the 3rd/4th in all of China - after Beijing, Shanghai, and HK). ....

wow, so very soon we will be able to take line 3 from the airport into the city. !!!

First city in the interior of China with an airport metro (and only the 3rd/4th in all of China - after Beijing, Shanghai, and HK). ....

Shenzhen?

^^ and Guangzhou.

oops, I did forget about Guangzhou!

Chongqing will be 5th then, but the first for the inside of China is the real point i think.

Chongqing will be the 5th metro in Mainland China to have connection with an airport, but the 8th in greater China (Including Taiwan, where Taipei/Taibei and Kaohsiung/Gaoxiong have metro connecting with airports).

oops, I did forget about Guangzhou!


And Shenzhen ;)

And Shenzhen ;)

CGQ has CRH access

CGQ has CRH access

Ehh... what are you talking about / replying to?

^^ I believe he's talking about Changchun (a northeastern Chinese city) having a HSR(250km/h) connecting the city and its airport. It's not a metro in real sense though (rail transportation).

"Chongqing Rail Transit Line 3 opens to traffic" (Xinhua (http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90882/7692627.html))
A light rail train pulls in to Changfulu Road Station along the Rail Transit Line 3 in Chongqing, southwest China, Dec. 29, 2011. The entire line of Chongqing Rail Transit Line 3 opened to traffic on Friday as part of it had operated since September this year. The 39.1-kilometer Chongqing Rail Transit Line 3, built since 2007, linked the north to south of main urban zone of Chongqing with total investment of 13.8 billion Yuan (about 2.183 billion US dollars). (Xinhua/Li Jian)
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/mediafile/201112/30/F201112301312072840129719.jpg

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/mediafile/201112/30/F201112301312072082180285.jpg

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/mediafile/201112/30/F201112301312071607121551.jpg

way way cool.

now, 3 metro lines. 2 heavy monorail and 1 heavy rail subway. ... one more heavy rail subway to open in 2012.

Fucking awesome monorail, perfect for a hilly city! Have all the stations on Line 3 from Yuanyang to Ertang and Line 1 from Shapingba to Chaotianmen been opened now?

I also have to say the English quality on signs is really good, comparable to Shanghai and Shenzhen and better than Beijing and Tianjin. Looking around Ditiezu for pictures, all the English translations were perfect, really surprising for a city like Chongqing. The use of monorail is awesome, and it seems like a very high quality system all-around.

http://i.imgur.com/oD8ii.jpg

I didn't realize the extension to Jiangbei Airport is already open. Sweet! The monorail construction process looks awesome, especially in such a super-urban setting; high monorails passing right by buildings and with steep gradients, truly one-of-a-kind!

The extension to Jiangbei Airport is phase two of Line 3, phase one ends at Longtousi/Chongqing North Railway Stn. So yeah now you can ride to the airport from downtown using metro.

http://i.imgur.com/BIBEv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/92xpb.jpg

my goodness, incredible plans for CQ metro.

2012 looks awesome as well, excellent coverage in the inner city Chongqing!!! and to the Airport. Again, First in the west/interior.

^^ That is one epic line map!!
Does anyone know which of the future lines that would be monorail or heavy rail?

That long term plan is pretty epic.

Any more pictures of the newly opened line 3?

Any more pictures of the newly opened line 3?

As you can see, the airport station appears to be underground:

http://www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/xin_35312083108155311776326.jpg
Xinhua - http://big5.xinhuanet.com/gate/big5/www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/content_24450958_2.htm

The front of the trains includes the line number:

http://www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/xin_3031208310815781820424.jpg
Xinhua - http://big5.xinhuanet.com/gate/big5/www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/content_24450958.htm

Here is a new above-ground station

http://www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/xin_3231208310815781799725.jpg
Xinhua - http://big5.xinhuanet.com/gate/big5/www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/content_24450958_1.htm

http://www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/xin_3831208310815468235527.jpg
Xinhua - http://big5.xinhuanet.com/gate/big5/www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/content_24450958_3.htm

Ertang-bound platform

http://www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/xin_40312083108158123037828.jpg
Xinhua - http://big5.xinhuanet.com/gate/big5/www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/content_24450958_4.htm

http://www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/xin_43312083108156091241729.jpg
Xinhua - http://big5.xinhuanet.com/gate/big5/www.cq.xinhuanet.com/photonews/2011-12/31/content_24450958_5.htm

An American announcer on the radio a couple of weeks ago said 35,000,000 people now live there :uh: Might this mean that Chongqing's population's gonna hit, e.g., 50,000,000 sometime soon, because I seem to remember its population pegged at 14,000,000 back in the early 90s?

An American announcer on the radio a couple of weeks ago said 35,000,000 people now live there :uh: Might this mean that Chongqing's population's gonna hit, e.g., 50,000,000 sometime soon, because I seem to remember its population pegged at 14,000,000 back in the early 90s?


NYC
Metro 18,897,109 (pop)
Metro 6,720 sq mi (17,405 km2)

Chongqing
Municipality 28,846,170 (pop)
Municipality 82,401 km2 (31,815.2 sq mi)

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chongqing

^^ Yep it's larger than Taiwain. It includes 1259 differend cities and towns. The actual urban area of the city most people go to in Chongqing is Jiefangbei and holds a lot less people than 35 million. I even read somewhere the actual population of Chongqing is already declining.

The problem is what do we consider as Chongqing? The entire municipality can be considered as one of the regions in which China is divided: http://www.asiaonline.com.au/china/china_map_regions.gif

CQ urban area (central Chongqing + the urban suburbs, about 6.300 square km) reachs "only" 8 milions inhabitants: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_administrative_divisions_of_Chongqing

About the airport metro station.
I have been there several times when it was yet under construction and, if I remember well, the station is above ground, in this position: http://g.co/maps/aynvm (you can see also the terrain strips on which the viaduct is built.

Or! even pipsqueak Canada, josham :uh:

About the airport metro station.
I have been there several times when it was yet under construction and, if I remember well, the station is above ground, in this position: http://g.co/maps/aynvm (you can see also the terrain strips on which the viaduct is built.

Yeah, I guess you're right. The photo was taken at night so it seems the station is underground. It's placed above-ground at the urbanrail.net map (http://urbanrail.net/as/chon/chongqing.htm)

Yeah, I guess you're right. The photo was taken at night so it seems the station is underground. It's placed above-ground at the urbanrail.net map (http://urbanrail.net/as/chon/chongqing.htm)

Not only that, but there are escalators leading up and there is a roof over the platform with platform screen doors.

Not only that, but there are escalators leading up and there is a roof over the platform with platform screen doors.

And it is like this at Air Train JFK stations and presumably numerous other above-ground air-rail connections around the world.

Congratulations Chongqing, you now are the undisputed world record holder of monorails!...

http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/News.html

I really look forward to seeing new pictures of both lines here. Anyone going soon?

I hope in May! :-)

Just some pictures of mid september.

Line 1 train:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w4f9sAMUAEw/TognehNVl5I/AAAAAAAAAec/hA_7c_mwimw/s800/IMG_1486.JPG
???
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iuXdRpTfTwA/TognlGOhsYI/AAAAAAAAAfA/8DkGhITp9Ms/s800/IMG_1865.JPG
Line 6 train working on line 1:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vsC9ixaDMP0/TognfVRsYvI/AAAAAAAAAeg/-BZaQfCTrMM/s800/IMG_1487.JPG

Line 2 station:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9yLbcjtl5u8/Togng8wc_OI/AAAAAAAAAeo/sXZoU7gpqq0/s800/IMG_1491.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IycbCo1g0Sk/Togni0IuafI/AAAAAAAAAe0/z5l6HzOtnGE/s800/IMG_1504.JPG

The complete system in project:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UAqZJGG70oM/TognhTQ7ZCI/AAAAAAAAAes/j5wao7DAxh0/s800/IMG_1492.JPG
Network in september 2010:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jpGpPCexfF4/TogniJuT0iI/AAAAAAAAAew/whIvSmi86Co/s800/IMG_1493.JPG

Daping connection between lines 1 & 2:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wRjJSLMWkZc/TognjoJobtI/AAAAAAAAAe4/2qe8RZh7Nfg/s800/IMG_1515.JPG

Line 6 will me traditional metro line or monorail?

Line 6 will me traditional metro line or monorail?

heavy rail subway

One of the entrances to the airport station on monorail Line 3:

http://pic.cqwb.com.cn/pic/2011/12/30/071636890.jpg
source: http://pic.cqwb.com.cn/NewsFiles/201112/30/843540_2.shtml

Monorail goes above ground at the airport:

http://pic.cqwb.com.cn/pic/2011/12/30/071633718.jpg
source: http://pic.cqwb.com.cn/NewsFiles/201112/30/843540.shtml

Elevated part of monorail Line 3:

http://imgcache.mysodao.com/img1/M00/5E/9D/CgAPDE7Aaar3H6YEAAd_wBA1L1M809_900x0x1.JPG
source: http://www.sodao.com/city/5001/blogdetail/3b2c93db17ff1fc6

http://imgcache.mysodao.com/img2/M06/46/C4/CgAPDk7AaaDL2OVfAAdkgbZ8pmw793_900x0x1.JPG
source: http://www.sodao.com/city/5001/blogdetail/3b2c93db17ff1fc6

Ertang station (southern terminus of monorail Line 3):

http://xun.bobaow.com/attachs/11/12/27/1941/1415559269.jpg
source: http://xun.bobaow.com/read--1941.html

And here is a line map:

http://att2.citysbs.com/chongqing/2011/12/30/09/middle_090956_kkcciokk_db3580cad5d7114a51e327a6dd8134d3.jpg
source: http://go.cqmmgo.com/forum-233-thread-188601325207064098-1-1.html

Here is the fare table from Niujiaotuo station (interchange of the two monorail lines) (e.g. 6 RMB to the airport)

http://att2.citysbs.com/chongqing/2011/12/30/09/middle_090833_kkcciokk_a9cefbac494b56d652e7ffc964345ff2.jpg
source: http://go.cqmmgo.com/forum-233-thread-188601325207064098-1-1.html

Exterior of Cuiyun station

http://www.d2d.cn/image/023/house/20111116/201111161321414312MQ.jpg
source: http://www.d2d.cn/html/news/327/32796_2.html

http://1881.img.pp.sohu.com.cn/images/2011/11/21/10/3/f20223109_1348245c6c8g214_blog.jpg
source: http://xiaozhukanfangji.i.sohu.com/blog/view/193591719.htm

Here is a small pic of The EXPO Garden station
http://res.biz.ifeng.com/dfba34c5bf5cf4ab/2011/1109/rdn_4eb9c9ce7d806.jpg
source: http://cq.city.ifeng.com/zhongqingxinwen/detail_2011_11/09/103601_0.shtml

Exterior of Huixing station
http://www.d2d.cn/image/023/house/20111229/11325126114989.png
source: http://rent.d2d.cn/html/856/85600.html

excellent pics, thank you

Keep em coming!

Not all links work. The 5th, 6th and 7th dont.

^^ Sorry about that. If the photos don't show, please click on the sourced URL below each photo so you can open the original page, where the photos should load along with accompanying Chinese text.

(Or, open the sourced URL and then refresh this thread, and the photos will probably load).

So the Jiangbei Airport station is not directly connected to the terminal?

Elevated part of monorail Line 3:

http://imgcache.mysodao.com/img1/M00/5E/9D/CgAPDE7Aaar3H6YEAAd_wBA1L1M809_900x0x1.JPG
source: http://www.sodao.com/city/5001/blogdetail/3b2c93db17ff1fc6

Exterior of Cuiyun station

http://www.d2d.cn/image/023/house/20111116/201111161321414312MQ.jpg
source: http://www.d2d.cn/html/news/327/32796_2.html

Why so high; what's the rationale, please? It's these very heights ^^ that's got Montreal into so much trouble with its own of stilted concrete.

High elevated structure makes the streets not so dark. But what bothers me more is this marked part of th epicture. How weird is that!

http://s15.postimage.org/ij3uyrmij/chongqing.jpg

It looks destroyed and by someone modificated...

:dunno:


Having just checked the city's year-round weather, I guess their mild winters must be little cause for concern :dunno:

Jiazhoulu [3/23] station (underground section of monorail Line 3)

http://k.zol-img.com.cn/dcbbs/13288/a13287201_s.jpg
source: http://dcbbs.zol.com.cn/66/1061_653607.html

http://k.zol-img.com.cn/dcbbs/13288/a13287203_s.jpg
source: http://dcbbs.zol.com.cn/66/1061_653607.html

http://k.zol-img.com.cn/dcbbs/13288/a13287206_s.jpg
source: http://dcbbs.zol.com.cn/66/1061_653607.html

http://k.zol-img.com.cn/dcbbs/13288/a13287205_s.jpg
source: http://dcbbs.zol.com.cn/66/1061_653607.html

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6048/6339840907_8fe8ef6aa6_b.jpg
source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/martianlizard/6339840907 (hengcuo flickr account)

Overground part:

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6211/6246738216_8272d73e84_b.jpg
source: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6211/6246738216_8272d73e84_b.jpg (hengcuo flickr account)

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6171/6246233745_4e7324dbc8_b.jpg
source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/martianlizard/6246233745 (hengcuo flickr account)

looks wonderful.

I personally would love to see more Line 1 subway and Line 3 Jiangbei Airport pics.

Im particularly curious how Line 3 interfaces at CKG, and most especially how it will interface with the brand new Terminal 3 that is under construction. ... Will it spur subway under Terminal 2 and the runways and go over to T3?

Also, could someone start an Airport construction thread for CKG Jiangbei International Airport Terminal 3? I believe the runways at least are under construction, but there must be some info about the master plan that could be discussed. ...

but I digress - --

I love Chongqing - China's Tiger

Where are the wheels on a monorail? On wheel on top or two on the side? Does it use wheels or gears that lock into the guide rail?

Im particularly curious how Line 3 interfaces at CKG, and most especially how it will interface with the brand new Terminal 3 that is under construction. ... Will it spur subway under Terminal 2 and the runways and go over to T3?



The Chinese wiki page shows 7 planned monorail stops after the airport station, none of which appears to serve T3.

http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%87%8D%E5%BA%86%E8%BD%A8%E9%81%93%E4%BA%A4%E9%80%9A%E4%B8%89%E5%8F%B7%E7%BA%BF

EDIT: Actually, the map posted on the previous page does show a "New Terminal" station (Line 3/Line 10), and the seven-station extension is on a different spur of monorail Line 3.

Where are the wheels on a monorail? On wheel on top or two on the side? Does it use wheels or gears that lock into the guide rail?
I suspect one set's for propulsion while another's for guidance :dunno: although:

http://www.askaboutireland.ie/_internal/gxml!0/m6s6aicjogoampxnh1a9dzzq7k4g1nn$o2ukaa6z42fzegc6j7uci8bzwy20hyl
^^ clickable... (http://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/life-society/science-technology/Discoveries-and-invention-1/inventions-and-inventors/military/)

cupFTIsFl4o
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/icons/icon14.gif
:D

Why so high; what's the rationale, please? It's these very heights ^^ that's got Montreal into so much trouble with its own of stilted concrete.

I believe the main reason is because Chongqing's extreme terrain, the city is built on many small hills and the elevation difference between different parts of downtown vary greatly. They even have public elevators to help people to get to the higher part of the city, and that there are no bicycles in Chongqing for the same reason. Some sections of the monorail are elevated high because they want to maintain a fairly level track height so the train doesn't have to climb hills too often.

Where are the wheels on a monorail? On wheel on top or two on the side? Does it use wheels or gears that lock into the guide rail?

Straddle-beam monorails typically have bogies with weight-bearing wheels that ride on the top surface of the beam and guide/stabilizing wheels that bear against either side of the beam. The following image shows a cutaway view of an Alweg train built for the Seattle World's Fair. Hitachi's first monorails utilized the Alweg design. The Chongqing trains are based on a later Hitachi design that still features a similar bogie configuration.
http://www.greg-vassilakos.com/misc/seattle_bogie.jpg

Its hilly terrain crossed my mind before putting the question out here, hence why I selected the shots of flat segments, hmmwv ;)

Its hilly terrain crossed my mind before putting the question out here, hence why I selected the shots of flat segments, hmmwv ;)

Chongqing rarely has any flat area, the area new Jiangbei Airport is relatively flat. Note the second picture you quoted is at Cuiyun Station, if you look at Google Earth you'll see it's a small valley like area, the satellite photo was taken when the line is still under construction. You can see the shadow of the pillars slowly increase indicating the height of the track is increasing, leading to Cuiyun Station platform. I have rode Line 1 and 2 and it's a combination of ground level, near ground level, tunnels, and then some very high stations, almost like a Disney ride except the elevation of the monorail is almost static, but the terrain changes around you.

It's more Chongqing's rationale I'm after, this really isn't about whose wits be better ... besides, per the image you're re-ferring me to, I count 1½ dozen broadly-spaced pillars of which each one appears the same height as any of the others, altogether on flat terrain ;)

I see there are some basic questions in this discussion about monorail technology. I recommend the Technology Pages of The Monorail Society website. The website is at:

http://www.monorails.org

:dunno:

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%203/BogieBombardier.jpg
^^ clickable... (http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/News.html#Anchor-Another-49575)

So one big wheel on top for driving the car and some small wheels on the side for stability? That makes sense.

It's more Chongqing's rationale I'm after, this really isn't about whose wits be better ... besides, per the image you're re-ferring me to, I count 1½ dozen broadly-spaced pillars of which each one appears the same height as any of the others, altogether on flat terrain ;)

You are right here it's on a flat part of the town, but it only stays flat for about a mile, it's between two small hills. Look at Google Earth and you'll see what do I mean. I believe that they did it to minimize going up and down hills.

I know, Chongqing looks marvellously hilly (I myself do miss tightly knit hilliness) ... I've been wondering, e.g., if there's some form of future development anticipated that necessitates the extraordinarily tall routes for clearance purposes when it come to transporting materials to future worksites over there :dunno:

You should visit Chongqing someday and I bet you'll be fascinated by it. I think one possibility is the tall monorail allows clearance for future elevated roads to be built below it if the ground level streets become too crowded. BTW have you checked out some impressive road projects they did in Sichuan province in the Chinese highway thread? There are some incredibly tall viaducts built on cliff sides and zigzagging through deep valleys.

You should visit Chongqing someday and I bet you'll be fascinated by it. I think one possibility is the tall monorail allows clearance for future elevated roads to be built below it if the ground level streets become too crowded. BTW have you checked out some impressive road projects they did in Sichuan province in the Chinese highway thread? There are some incredibly tall viaducts built on cliff sides and zigzagging through deep valleys.

Somewhere earlier in this thread it was mentioned that there are few bicycles in Chongqing due to the hilliness. If this is true, this might be the most pedestrian-friendly place in China.

yes to both of your conclusions woon; few if any bicycles in Chongqing and definitely the most pedestrian friendly big city in China.

(Thank you, hmmwv, but neither roads nor their works fascinate me, although you might like to take a peak at Mexico's Baluarte bridge, now the world's tallest having just been opened to traffic this year [I'm just trying to return the favour].)