sonnyinmiami Posted May 9, 2016 Share #1 Posted May 9, 2016 I was reading up on the Gondola project (aerial tram service such as the Roosevelt Island Tram) connecting several parts of Brooklyn and Queens with Manhattan when an idea just popped in my head. Why not build a monorail that traces around Manhattan's 32 mile shoreline. I know it might be prohibitively expensive however, maybe less than elevated subway lines ? I know that very many would oppose this because it would cut into greenways throughout the island. I believe a monorail of this description would be hugely successful. Then, it could be duplicated in all the other boroughs. So many factors to think about with a visionary project of this magnitude. I would love to know what my NYC Transit Forum family thinks about this idea...., Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcb Posted May 9, 2016 Share #2 Posted May 9, 2016 Nah. That wouldn't work because of the lack of waterfront destinations. It would basically be a tourist shuttle for lack of speed and capacity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobtehpanda Posted May 9, 2016 Share #3 Posted May 9, 2016 I was reading up on the Gondola project (aerial tram service such as the Roosevelt Island Tram) connecting several parts of Brooklyn and Queens with Manhattan when an idea just popped in my head. Why not build a monorail that traces around Manhattan's 32 mile shoreline. I know it might be prohibitively expensive however, maybe less than elevated subway lines ? I know that very many would oppose this because it would cut into greenways throughout the island. I believe a monorail of this description would be hugely successful. Then, it could be duplicated in all the other boroughs. So many factors to think about with a visionary project of this magnitude. I would love to know what my NYC Transit Forum family thinks about this idea...., Monorails don't really work well as a form of transportation because they're incompatible with existing rail systems and vendor-locked; when it needs to be replaced in 30-40 years, the company that sold its specific technology to you might not even exist anymore. In fact, Sydney is tearing down its monorail because light rail is easier. Also, what Jcb said. If half of your walkshed is the waterfront, and the other half is constrained by the FDR Dr/West St/West Side highway, no one will walk to it. How many people walk to the existing ferry piers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Rider Posted May 9, 2016 Share #4 Posted May 9, 2016 All this sounds like is the circle line for people afraid of the water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FamousNYLover Posted May 10, 2016 Share #5 Posted May 10, 2016 I was reading up on the Gondola project (aerial tram service such as the Roosevelt Island Tram) connecting several parts of Brooklyn and Queens with Manhattan when an idea just popped in my head. Why not build a monorail that traces around Manhattan's 32 mile shoreline. I know it might be prohibitively expensive however, maybe less than elevated subway lines ? I know that very many would oppose this because it would cut into greenways throughout the island. I believe a monorail of this description would be hugely successful. Then, it could be duplicated in all the other boroughs. So many factors to think about with a visionary project of this magnitude. I would love to know what my NYC Transit Forum family thinks about this idea...., It not called monorail. It called tramway or ropeway. I think instead of ropeway, maybe all Ferries should stop at Governors Island and Pier 6 during summer weekends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Rider Posted May 10, 2016 Share #6 Posted May 10, 2016 He's talking about building a monorail, not a cable car... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Union Tpke Posted May 10, 2016 Share #7 Posted May 10, 2016 My trig teacher, who knows that I am into planning transit routes, suggested that a monorail be built along the waterfront. What I told him is that there isn't too much on the waterfront except the UN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Javier Posted May 11, 2016 Share #8 Posted May 11, 2016 The what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Union Tpke Posted May 11, 2016 Share #9 Posted May 11, 2016 The what? What do you mean, the United Nations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CenSin Posted May 12, 2016 Share #10 Posted May 12, 2016 My trig teacher, who knows that I am into planning transit routes, suggested that a monorail be built along the waterfront. What I told him is that there isn't too much on the waterfront except the UN. “If you build it, they will come.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Union Tpke Posted May 12, 2016 Share #11 Posted May 12, 2016 “If you build it, they will come.” yes, but there are many more pressing needs. I could probably list tens of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAlam Posted May 12, 2016 Share #12 Posted May 12, 2016 How about one up and down 5th and 7th ave, or looping somewhere around the park? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Rider Posted May 17, 2016 Share #13 Posted May 17, 2016 sure, and what are going to do come Thanksgiving? remove a beamway segment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobtehpanda Posted May 17, 2016 Share #14 Posted May 17, 2016 How about one up and down 5th and 7th ave, or looping somewhere around the park? Where would you put the columns? This isnt Disney, you can't build them through buildings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadcruiser1 Posted May 18, 2016 Share #15 Posted May 18, 2016 Monorails are a terrible idea for New York City. Already in Newark they have to replace the Newark (monorail) Airtrain only after 20 years of service. You might as well construct a subway line actually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamen Rider Posted May 18, 2016 Share #16 Posted May 18, 2016 becuase the manufactuer no longer supports it. Disney has been using monorails for decades, and aside from regular matince and train replacements, they haven't really had a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobtehpanda Posted May 18, 2016 Share #17 Posted May 18, 2016 becuase the manufactuer no longer supports it. Disney has been using monorails for decades, and aside from regular matince and train replacements, they haven't really had a problem. The issue is that unlike actual trains, monorails are a vendor-locked technology. Why would I invest in something that lasts 40 years if no manufacturer will support it or if the manufacturer that did supported it doesn't exist in 40 years? At least with light rail or trains you have a choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.