Chinese company BYD has unveiled its new monorail system in Shenzhen called SkyRail, which is the result of a $757m investment over the past five years.

SkyRail marks BYD’s entry into the mass transit market, and is a solution introduced by the company to counter traffic congestion in cities across worldwide.

BYD’s SkyRail serves as a mass transit alternative with smaller passenger capacities and delivers a number of benefits.

Capital expenditure for this monorail system is 80% lower than metro, and construction period is two-thirds shorter. 

SkyRail has higher climbing ability, reduced noise to allow travel through architectural complexes, and gives visual integration into the cityscape due to transparent bridges and independent right of way.

It also has flexible management to allow for capacity between 10,000 to 30,000 passengers an hour and operate at a high-speed of up to 80km/h.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"SkyRail provides urban residents with safe, comfortable and fast mobility, while making a real difference to alleviate traffic congestion."

BYD said SkyRail is applicable to small and medium sized cities, heavy traffic routes, CBD’s and routes that link tourist attractions in large cities.

The system complements metro and bus systems to help create a transport network comprising underground, roadway and elevated parts.

BYD president and chairman Wang Chuanfu said: “As a rail transport option with relatively smaller passenger capacity, ‘SkyRail’ can complement existing public transport systems to create a layered transport system encompassing underground, roadway and elevated elements.

“At the same time, SkyRail provides urban residents with safe, comfortable and fast mobility, while making a real difference to alleviate traffic congestion.”


Image: Bird’s eye view of SkyRail at BYD global headquarters in Shenzhen. Photo: Copyright © BYD Company Limited.