An efficient cost analysis of monorail in the Middle East using statistics of existing monorail and metro models

Abstract

This paper discusses an efficient-cost analysis for the monorail system in developing countries focusing on Middle East cases. Most of the cities in the Middle East are using the metro system and have experience with it. A monorail system is quite new for these countries so the efficiency of the monorail as an important question that is always understood. A function to find payback duration for the monorail is generated, using available data for countries which have both systems in the world. Then a correlation between metro and monorail ticket prices is studied to apply it for the countries in the Middle East. The theory has been verified for UAE, USA and China as existing models for both metro and monorail. Then it has been applied for interpreting and predicting monorail system costs in Egypt and Iran as case studies in the Middle East. The results show that for those countries with a subsidies policy for public transportation, a monorail will not be an economic system for public transportation; private sectors will not show their interest for long term investment in it and it might be used for tourism and amusement purposes.

Improving the Traffic Flow in Hot Arid Climate Areas by Implementing a Monorail Light Rail Transit System: Case of Kuwait

“…While being unencumbered by the institutional bureaucracy and fiscal limitations of public transportation agencies and authorities, the adaptability of monorail construction processes and operating characteristics to virtually any setting or environment permits monorails to be developed where other modes of transportation would be difficult (Timan, 2015). In addition, the significantly lower costs of right of way, construction, manufacturing, operation, maintenance and electrical power allow for cost-effective monorail development and services to be financed primarily through private and public-private entities and ventures (Ghafooripour et al, 2012).…”

“…The more passengers using monorail systems, the less energy consumptions and carbon emissions transportation systems will have (Kikuchi and Onaka, 1988). Energy consumption and carbon emissions are reduced, not just during operation and running the systems, but also throughout the entire monorail cycle from manufacturing, operating and maintenance to the final dismantle (Ghafooripour et al, 2012).…”

“…Monorail systems development and services offer 21 st Century industrial and economic alternatives and new solutions to the intractable congestion and accessibility constraints of existing transportation systems and the most attractive alternative to single-occupant commuter vehicle drivers (Ghafooripour et al, 2012).…”

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