Skytrains

Skytrains are elevated urban rail transit systems designed to move large numbers of passengers above street level on viaducts or elevated guideways. They typically use electric traction and are built to provide high capacity and grade-separated service in dense urban cores, often with automated or semi-automated operation.

Most Skytrains rely on heavy-rail or metro-like rolling stock and operate on elevated structures with platform arrangements that align with the guideway. Vehicle propulsion is electric, supplied through overhead lines or third rails depending on the design. Modern systems frequently incorporate platform screen doors and advanced signaling to enable high-frequency, safe service.

The term Skytrain is used as a branding for several networks in different cities rather than a single, uniform technology. Notable examples include Vancouver’s SkyTrain in Canada and Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain in Thailand. Across cities, Skytrains vary in technical details such as track gauge, power delivery, automation level, and interoperability with other transit modes.

Advantages of Skytrains include rapid construction in constrained urban corridors, continuous grade separation that reduces at-grade collisions, weather protection for passengers, and the ability to support frequent, reliable service with limited street traffic. Challenges and limitations involve high capital costs for elevated structures, potential visual and noise impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, and ongoing maintenance needs for the viaducts and stations. Effective integration with land use planning, transit networks, and urban development plans is important to maximize their benefits.