Monorailex – the Flagship Industry Conference
Monorailex is the annual conference of the IMA, designed to provide a platform for presenting new research, latest developments, and operational findings related to monorail systems.
The conference serves as a forum for experts in transportation planning, industry suppliers, system integrators, infrastructure services, researchers, operators, consultants, academic and certification bodies to share ideas and discuss innovations in the field. Today, Monorailex is the leading international professional conference covering all aspects of monorail systems.
After more than 15 editions and steadily growing participation from industry leaders and technical experts, it is now regarded as the world’s leading conference on monorail systems.
Monorailex 2026
Planning for the 2026 edition is underway. The event will take place prior to InnoTrans 2026 in autumn. Exact dates will be announced in due course. For updates, follow: www.monorailex2026.org
Program Summaries of Past Monorailex Editions
Monorailex 2025 - Sentosa, Singapore
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
September 19-23, 2025
Amara Sanctuary, Sentosa Island
Elevating Mobility – Monorails and the Future of Public Transportation
Program Summary
Day 1 focused on strategic planning, operational technologies, and safety in monorail systems. Highlights included a keynote on Singapore’s rapid transit planning, technical talks on onboard power traction batteries, active noise cancellation, and intelligent on-board solutions. Presentations also addressed structural assessment methods, surface wear analysis of guideway beams, and the evolution of dimensional verification techniques. The day concluded with deep dives into system safety analysis, SIL4 certification, and passenger evacuation strategies for elevated monorail systems.
Day 2 explored performance reviews, resilience strategies, and innovative applications. Topics ranged from BIM implementation lessons for megaprojects, special monorail applications in Switzerland, and advanced construction techniques such as intelligent cantilever bridge erection. Discussions also covered friction and texture for safer guideway beams, life cycle costing in operations, climate change mitigation, and emerging urban transit concepts including on-demand cable car systems.
Technical Tour
- Sentosa Express Monorail
- Cable Car Sentosa Line
- Bukit Panjang LRT (Automated People Mover)
- Singapore Rail Discovery Centre (SRDC) at TEL Mandai Depot
Monorailex 2024 - Sengenthal/Neumarkt, Germany
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
September 20-24, 2024
Park Inn by Radisson Neumarkt
On Track to Progress – Monorail Integration in Public Transport
Program Summary
Day 1 focused on system integration, construction innovations, and operational optimization. Key topics included interface management between monorail technologies and civil infrastructure, sustainable urban transport solutions, non-standard elevated structures, and advanced construction techniques such as one-shot pouring for precast guideway beams. Presentations also addressed guideway deflection optimization, drone-assisted track inspections, integrated asset management, and life-cycle-costing models combined with BIM. The day concluded with sessions on intelligent software development, climate change mitigation, and passenger evacuation strategies.
Day 2 explored vehicle design, safety, and digital operations. Highlights included innovations in automated sliding doors, monorail tires for sustainable mobility, modernized bogies for historic systems, bearings and fingerjoints, and solutions for high seismic areas. The program also covered rural monorail vehicles, mission-critical communication, airport automated people movers, fire protection systems, and best practices in BIM and fast-track projects. The conference wrapped up with discussions on planning guidelines and the role of international collaboration in advancing monorail technology.
Technical Tour
- Transport System Bögl TSB at Max Bögl
- Factory Tour Max Bögl
- InnoTrans Guided Tour
Monorailex 2023 - São Paulo, Brazil
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
October 20-24, 2023
Radisson Hotel Paulista São Paulo
Best Practice and further Evolution of Monorails as Public Transportation Systems
Program Summary
Day 1 emphasized environmental performance, engineering innovation, and operational reliability. Key sessions addressed greenhouse gas emission modeling, noise analysis, high-precision guideway girder design, advanced track switch installations, and asset management strategies to maximize system availability. Case studies from Panama and Monterrey highlighted challenges in large-scale project delivery, while presentations on BIM and platform screen doors explored digitalization and safety enhancements. The day concluded with in-depth debates and workshops on emergency walkways, passenger rescue strategies, and systemic safety requirements.
Day 2 focused on structural components, seismic resilience, and next-generation transit technologies. Topics included expansion joints, bearings, fatigue testing, conductor rail optimization, and seismic isolation for stations. Further sessions explored clearance profiles, automated people movers, and new suspended monorail concepts, offering insights into emerging vehicle and infrastructure solutions.
Technical Tour
- Line 15 Silver
- Beam Pre-casting Yard
- Depot Oratório with Maintenance and Operations Center
- Line 17 Gold Construction Site
- Depot “Água Espraiada” (under construction)
- Aeromovel at Guarulhos Airport
Monorailex 2022 - Rust, Germany
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
September 16-21, 2022
Europa-Park Rust
The Future of Monorail Systems for Mass Transportation in Urban Areas
Program Summary
Day 1 focused on strategic planning, structural engineering, and lifecycle optimization. Sessions examined the role of monorails in future multimodal transport networks, factors influencing system success in dense urban environments, and data-driven approaches to selecting mass transit solutions. Technical presentations addressed sustainable bearing design, structural monitoring, condition-based maintenance, and modernization strategies for existing networks. Further topics included guideway subsystem assurance, safety management of civil works in accordance with international standards, and best practices in infrastructure delivery.
Day 2 highlighted digital technologies, environmental performance, and operational excellence. Key discussions covered greenhouse gas emission analysis, guideway adjustment methodologies, contactless speed measurement, active fire protection, and CBTC-based train control systems. Global market insights, international best-practice case studies, and major project updates from China and Egypt provided valuable perspectives on system implementation. The program concluded with sessions on performance specifications for turnkey monorail systems, reinforcing the importance of standardized, high-quality project delivery.
Technical Tour
- Technical Guided Tour Europa-Park at the attractions „EP-Express“ and „Monorail“ incl. round trip
- Visit of VAG Nürnberg, Headquarters and Operations Center GoA4 Metro System
- InnoTrans Guided Tour
Monorailex 2021 - Milan, Italy
Date
Venue
September 24-28, 2021
Hotel 21WOL Milano Centro + ZOOM
Program Summary
Day 1: The first day focused on urban mobility solutions, monorail system performance, and sustainable energy concepts. After the opening keynote on safety in metro systems, experts presented global perspectives on monorail applications, railway systems for steep gradients, and logistics transportation. Further sessions addressed energy efficiency, including operational energy consumption analysis and innovative hydrogen-based solutions for rail transport. Interactive workshops in the afternoon explored technical specifications and key factors influencing the selection of transportation systems, emphasizing efficiency, sustainability, and system integration.
Day 2: The second day covered regulatory frameworks, advanced structural engineering solutions, and international project experiences. Presentations highlighted norms and standards for monorail systems, innovative bearing and bridge technologies, foundation stiffness evaluation, and detailed case studies from the Cairo Monorail Project. The program concluded global project case studies from São Paulo and Panama, offering valuable insights into construction challenges, system expansion, and operational best practices.
Technical Tour
- University ‘Politecnico di Milano’
- Marconi Express, Bologna
- Metro Line 4, ride and visit of OCC
- Expo Ferroviaria
Monorailex 2020 - virtual
Date
Venue
September 19-22, 2020
virtual
Program Summary
Day 1 presented a comprehensive overview of global monorail development and urban rail transportation systems, starting with a review of metro, tramway, and monorail systems in revenue service worldwide. Experts shared updates on recent monorail developments in China, Japanese implementations by Hitachi, and major international projects including Bangkok and Cairo monorail systems. Technical sessions covered innovative lightweight vehicle solutions, advanced bearing systems, high-efficiency monorail drives, and transmission concepts, as well as analyses of non-conventional grade-separated transport systems. The program concluded with discussions on system performance, safety integrity levels, independent safety assessment methodologies, and optimization of passenger mobility, offering both strategic and technical perspectives.
Day 2 focused on system safety, operational performance, and international project experiences, featuring in-depth presentations on safety integrity level (SIL) allocation, automated system safety assessment, and performance comparisons between monorail and other public transport modes. Case studies from Cairo, Bangkok, and Mumbai provided practical insights into project implementation, construction challenges, and lessons learned.
Day 3: The sessions highlighted innovative engineering solutions, risk management approaches, and strategies for improving reliability, safety, and passenger experience in modern monorail systems.
In addition, interactive workshops were conducted throughout the conference days in several working groups, focusing on turnkey systems and key subsystems. The workshops were introduced by a Technology Selection Presentation, which provided the methodological and technical foundation for the group work. This framework guided the participants in the collaborative development and refinement of the Technical Performance Specifications, enabling structured discussion, expert exchange, and alignment on system requirements and performance criteria.
Monorailex 2019 - Chiba, Japan
Date
Venue
November 24-26, 2019 (conference)
November 27-December 1, 2019 (extended technical tour Japan)
Hotel The Manhattan, Chiba
Program Summary
Day 1: The first day focused on global perspectives, environmental performance, and international project updates in urban monorail and mass transit systems. Following keynote speeches from representatives of Chiba Urban Monorail and Nihon University, the program addressed transport mode classification, aesthetic integration of monorail systems into urban environments, and comparative carbon emission analysis. The afternoon featured major international project updates, including Wuhu, Genoa Erzelli, Thailand, Thessaloniki Airport, Mumbai, and São Paulo Line 15, offering practical insights into system development, construction progress, operational performance, and implementation challenges across diverse urban contexts.
Day 2: The second day concentrated on technical system components, infrastructure solutions, and lifecycle optimization. Sessions covered advanced onboard systems, innovative monorail drive and transmission concepts, refurbishment strategies for guided transport systems, concrete mould technologies, and the design and testing of steel expansion joints. The program concluded with a technical wrap-up, highlighting engineering best practices, maintenance strategies, and future-oriented innovations for improving performance, durability, and sustainability of monorail and urban rail systems.
Technical Tour
- Chiba Urban Monorail
- Mass-Trans Innovation Japan
- Tokyo Monorail
- Tama Monorail
- Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center
- NIFREL, Osaka
- Osaka Monorail
- Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Hiroshima
Monorailex 2018 - Berlin, Germany
Date
Venue
September 13-15, 2018
Novotel am Tiergarten
Program Summary
Day 1 focused on strategic, technical, and safety-related aspects of monorail systems, opening with high-level keynote speeches from government, industry, and international experts outlining global developments and future opportunities for monorail technology. Presentations addressed system selection methodologies, market updates, multi-system monorail concepts, and lessons learned from major projects such as Mumbai. Technical sessions covered independent system assessment, vehicle fire protection, crashworthiness, ride comfort, and overall system safety, complemented by expert round-table discussions on technology selection and transit safety, enabling in-depth exchange on performance requirements, regulatory frameworks, and operational reliability.
Day 2 concentrated on engineering, energy systems, digitalization, and project implementation, highlighting the impact of early system decisions on structural design and project costs, as well as innovative traction power and energy recovery concepts. Further sessions provided project updates from Wuhu, insights into civil works, station systems, and construction methods, and explored future-oriented digital solutions under the Monorail 4.0 concept, focusing on system software, automation, and smart mobility. The program concluded with a technical wrap-up, emphasizing integrated system design, lifecycle optimization, and sustainable development of modern monorail systems.
Technical Tour
- Deutsches Technik Museum
Monorailex 2017 - Beijing, China
Date
Venue
September 7-9, 2017
Development Research Center of the China Monorail
Program Summary
This conference featured a strong academic orientation, with a comprehensive focus on fundamental research, advanced engineering analysis, and experimental investigations in monorail and urban rail systems.
The Infrastructure Day concentrated on structural dynamics, guideway and bridge–vehicle interaction, material durability, and innovative construction technologies. Key topics included dynamic performance analysis under moving loads, fatigue behavior of structural elements, corrosion resistance, CFRP strengthening methods, and flexible bearing systems. Further sessions explored novel guideway designs, rigid suspended monorail systems, modular construction methods, formwork technologies, station design, route planning, and market prospects of straddle monorail systems in China.
The Vehicle Day addressed vehicle dynamics, running gear innovations, suspension systems, pantograph-catenary interaction, structural strength, car body deflection, and operational reliability assessment. Experimental and simulation-based studies examined vehicle-infrastructure interaction, passenger behavior in stations, and performance evaluation of medium-speed maglev and straddle monorail vehicles.
Additional sessions covered CBTC applications, traction power supply systems, grounding schemes, seamless contact rail technologies, space fusion planning for urban rail transit, and intellectual property analysis of both straddle and suspended monorail systems.
Overall, the program provided a scientifically rigorous platform for knowledge exchange, emphasizing theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and technological innovation, and highlighting the critical role of academic research in advancing next-generation monorail and urban transit systems.
Technical Tour
- Maglev test track
- Chongqing Monorail
- Wuhu Puzhen Alstom plant under construction
Monorailex 2016 - Cologne, Germany
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
September 15-18, 2016
Savoy Hotel
Get Over the Top Performance with Monorail
Program Summary
Day 1 opened with operational case studies from Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai, highlighting mixed-fleet operation, system integration, and operational challenges. The afternoon focused on innovative and visionary monorail concepts, including Project Arrow, a suspended monorail system proposed for Moscow, and strategic insights into Wuhu’s adoption of monorail as a primary urban mass transit solution, emphasizing planning approaches, system selection, and long-term mobility strategies.
Day 2 provided a strong technical and engineering focus, addressing elevated urban mass transit solutions, advanced multi-body simulation techniques, fire safety regulations, and innovative vehicle construction materials. Additional sessions covered fault recovery strategies, special structural solutions for long-span systems, and a detailed project update on São Paulo Monorail Line 15, offering practical insights into system safety, reliability, structural design, and large-scale project implementation.
Day 3 was dedicated to in-depth specifications workshops, enabling structured technical discussions on system requirements, performance criteria, and engineering standards. These collaborative sessions facilitated expert exchange and alignment on technical specifications and best practices, before concluding with official closing remarks summarizing the conference outcomes and future directions.
Technical Tour
- Skytrain – Düsseldorf International Airport
Monorailex 2015 - Las Vegas, USA
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
November 12-14, 2015
SLS Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
Think Elevated – Move with Monorail
Program Summary
Day 1 Included a session reflecting on 50 years of monorail development, followed by a presentation on fast charging technologies for public transportation systems, highlighting innovations to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. The Urban Mobility session covered urban transit technology selection and explored opportunities for monorails in medium-sized cities, with a particular focus on the Chinese market. The Operational session addressed the challenges of monorail operations, including maintenance, safety, and efficiency considerations. Afternoon sessions showcased advanced monorail solutions, an innovative holistic approach to fire protection, and new recommendations for fiber optic backbone networks, concluding with a discussion on performance specifications and best practices for global monorail systems. The day ended with a networking cocktail event.
Day 2 focused on technical and project-based insights. It began with a session on critical considerations for powering monorails, followed by case studies on Dopplemayr Cable Car’s pinched loop technology in Oakland and lessons learned from the Mumbai Monorail, highlighting operational and design challenges. This was followed by a session on monorail startup steps, covering planning, commissioning, and system integration for new projects. The conference concluded with closing remarks reflecting on performance standards and operational guidance, providing participants with comprehensive knowledge for implementing, managing, and optimizing monorail systems in urban transit environments.
Technical Tour
- Las Vegas Monorail Maintenance Facility Tour
- Monorail Train Ride
Monorailex 2014 - Wuppertal, Germany
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
September 19-22, 2014
Waldhotel Eskeshof, Wuppertal
Monorail Basics for Curious People & Performance Specifications Seminar
Program Summary
A sample model specification was presented to the group, and the attendees were divided in three groups to comment on the specifications:
- Civil and Construction
- E+M and O+M Systems Integration and
- Rolling Stock
Each group provided comments, and the summary of each group comments was presented to all attendees
Technical Tour
- Wuppertal Schwebebahn workshop tour
- Tramride Bergische Strassenbahn Museum
Monorailex 2013 - Daegu, South Korea
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
October 7-8, 2013
EXCO Convention Centre, Interburgo EXCO Hotel
Urban Maglev and Monorail
Program Summary
The conference provided a comprehensive overview of monorail systems, covering global projects, engineering innovations, operations, and standards.
The opening session featured insights into major transit projects like Daegu Metropolitan Transit Line 3 and Chongqing Monorail, highlighting real-world construction experiences.
Engineering and design sessions explored Alweg-type and urban maglev systems, including Bombardier’s INNOVIA Monorail 300, Mumbai’s guideway beams, Woojin’s smart monorail, and construction tolerances for rubber-tire-mounted concrete beams. Key presentations also focused on energy optimization and drive system advantages.
The conference also addressed operational efficiency, maintenance, and long-term lifecycle costs, drawing from 20 years of practical experience in systems across the world Safety and security sessions emphasized standards in mass rapid transit, including the benefits of run-flat systems, innovative urban transportation strategies, such as the 20-80 rule, and updates on projects like YangMingShan MRT Line and Metro São Paulo Line 15.
Monorailex 2012 - Dresden, Germany
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
September 16-17, 2012
Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure System IVI
Automated and Elevated Public Mass Transit
Program Summary
Session – Automated People Movers, Monorail and Maglev Monorail
This session focused on advanced automated transit technologies, beginning with a keynote on urban maglev development in Korea. It explored the evolution of driverless systems through Bombardier’s INNOVIA 300 platform and examined practical implementations such as the Bologna APM system, highlighting innovation, automation, and efficiency in next-generation urban mobility solutions.
Session – Projects
The projects session addressed real-world applications and investment strategies, covering the advantages and challenges of private financing for rail infrastructure, updates on major INNOVIA Monorail 300 projects, and major urban developments in Delhi, including metro expansion and monorail initiatives. Together, these presentations showcased global project experiences, financing models, and large-scale system deployment.
Session – Safety and Operational Issues
This session examined how system integration and technology enhance operational performance and safety. Topics included the impact of feeder systems on network efficiency, advanced navigation solutions for public transport, and simulation tools for evaluating different monorail propulsion technologies, emphasizing data-driven planning, reliability, and operational optimization.
Session – Technological Advances
The final technical session highlighted innovations in monorail and APM components, particularly advancements in bogie design, along with a broader discussion on the comparative benefits and costs of elevated versus at-grade public transport systems. The session concluded with forward-looking perspectives on system efficiency, infrastructure investment, and the evolving role of monorail technologies.
Monorailex 2011 - Las Vegas, USA
Date
Venue
Conference Theme
December 14-16, 2011
Las Vegas Hilton Hotel
Monorail for Mass Transit
Program Summary
Opening Session – Planning, Funding, Financing
The opening session set the strategic and financial context for modern transit development, beginning with a keynote on maglev technology in the USA, addressing both technological potential and political challenges. It highlighted the benefits of monorail systems in mass transit and presented Bombardier’s experience transitioning monorails from airport links to integrated urban transportation networks, framing monorail as a viable, scalable solution for urban mobility.
Session 2 – Operations and Marketing
This session focused on operational performance, modernization, and real-world applications of monorail systems. Topics included Bombardier’s advanced urban transit solutions, the refurbishment of the Seattle Monorail, and case studies from Lagos and São Paulo, demonstrating how monorail systems can be adapted to dense, complex urban environments while improving capacity, reliability, and passenger experience.
Session 3 – Engineering and Design
Technical innovation took center stage with presentations on monorail drive systems, communications infrastructure, automated overhead rail systems, and suspended monorail technology. Speakers emphasized system efficiency, operational reliability, sustainability, and design advancements aimed at enhancing safety, performance, and service quality in public mass transit.
Session 4 – Standards, Safety, and Security
This session addressed critical infrastructure design, operational best practices, and safety considerations. Presentations focused on elevated guideway and facility design for advanced transit systems, alongside insights into achieving successful monorail operations, underscoring the importance of robust standards, safety planning, and community engagement.
Session 5 – Projects and Project Opportunities
The final session explored current and future monorail projects, including connecting Almere to Amsterdam, proposed systems for Chennai, and ongoing developments across India. It highlighted emerging opportunities, planning challenges, and implementation strategies, concluding with a forward-looking perspective on global monorail expansion.
Technical Tour
- Collective Ride on LV Monorail System
- Visit LV Depot and Operation Room