(Picture provided by Chongqing Rail Transit Group)

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Hello, we are Line 2 and Line 3, “elder brothers” of Chongqing Rail Transit lines. Compared with other lines, we look very special, and because of this unique style, we have become a brand of Chongqing.

Line 2 is the first CRT line. At that time, the name of rail transit system in China was not as standardized as it is now, so the term “light rail Line 2”was used when it was opened in 2005.

However, we and the brothers of Line 7, Line 8 and Line 17 planned to be built in the future are actually “monorail lines”.

Subway brothers “complained”: You made us get wrong name as well

Since 2005, Chongqing Rail Transit has achieved rapid development from single line to transportation network, from single system to multiple system.

In the past 14 years, Chongqing has opened nine lines including Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line 10, Loop Line and the Branch Line of Line 6, with an operating mileage of 313 kilometers. It is the first choice for local people and tourists to travel, and also a unique flowing scenic line in the city.

“Travel by light rail” has become a common saying. Especially after Liziba Station became a popular tourist attraction, “light rail train passing through the building” has “become a popular ward”. However, subway lines such as Line 1 and Line 6 started to complain to both of us: “You have problems with your own names, and get our names wrong as well.”

In fact, according to the current industry norms, there is no light rail in Chongqing, only monorail and subway. In fact, we are both monorail lines. However, for the convenience of everyone, Chongqing Rail Transit Group refers to “monorail” and “subway” as “rail transit”.

We and the subway brothers have always thanked you for your attention to Chongqing rail transit, but the name “light rail” really caused a misunderstanding. We also hope to “name” ourselves, so that you can better understand the system of Chongqing rail transit.

Why are we not “light rail lines”?

Because we are more like a subway than a monorail

In fact, we both know that it’s not easy to change the name of a person who has been called for 14 years. People will also wonder that “you say that Line 2 and Line 3 are not light rail lines? It’s light enough to go to heaven and earth!”

For your convenience, let’s introduce the difference between monorail and light rail!

The monorail system adopts the medium capacity rail transit system with electric traction train running on one rail beam. Here’s a key point - the monorail system has only one track, not the traditional two tracks.

According to the position relationship between the train and the rail beam, the monorail can be divided into straddle monorail which is located above the track and suspended monorail which is located below the track. Depending on the construction environment, a monorail, like a subway, could have parts of the line laid above the ground and parts of the line laid underground. In Chongqing, our two brothers belong to the straddle monorail, with a capacity of 1,342 passengers per train (six carriages).

The light rail system is relative to the subway system. They are common steel wheel rail system, but the subway line is basically located in the underground tunnel, while the light rail mainly runs on the city street pavement or viaduct. Because the axle weight of vehicles is relatively light, the capacity of light rail is small. The subway in Chongqing can carry 2,322 passengers per train (six carriages).

We’re not alone: There will be three new lines by a single track

On December 4, 2019, the Intellectual Property Alliance of Monorail Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment Industry of Monorail Transit held its establishment meeting in Chongqing Rail Transit Group. Chongqing rail transit is in the fourth round of planning. Maybe in the near future, our brothers will have three new compatriots!

In this plan, the feasibility of adopting straddle monorail system for Line 7, Line 8, Line 17 and other lines is under study. They are actively exploring the research, development and application of fully automatic driving, intelligent operation and maintenance equipment, and high-speed monorail and other new technologies.

In comparison, the cost of straddle monorail is only half of that of subway, or even less. The highest intensity of climbing can reach 60 parts per thousand, while subway can only reach 35 parts per thousand. With the advantages of small turning radius and low noise, straddle monorail is very promising.

Since the monorail is so excellent, let’s have a new understanding of us and help us get our name right! (Translated by Luo Juan, Fathom Language Limited)