Was a Monorail option explored?
Yes, an elevated transit option for downtown was considered in the 1988 “Central Area Transitway Grade Separation Feasibility Study.” The study found that an elevated solution would create a visual barrier through downtown, reduce direct sunlight to street level and would have very high capital costs to integrate stations into existing adjacent buildings. Also, the elevated solution would require significant utility relocation and would have high operating and life-cycle costs due to exposure to the elements. For these reasons, the elevated solution was not recommended at that time.
During the consultation process for the 2008 update to the City’s Transportation Master Plan, the potential for an elevated solution was examined again. At that point, it was found that an elevated rail system would create a visual obstruction, would be challenging for station access and maintenance (i.e. snow removal), and would create vibration concerns. Council ultimately voted to approve a rail tunnel solution to alleviate congestion in the downtown core during the 2008 Transportation Master Plan update.
