IMA Guidelines
Given the growing demand for public transport in metropolitan areas, transport authorities face the challenge of selecting a technology that meets the often conflicting requirements of high capacity and reliable service, urban integration, minimal environmental impact, and budget constraints. To further promote the use of monorails, there is a particular need for tools that enable monorails to be evaluated in comparison with other transport systems within the framework of overall transport planning or specific tenders.
With the publication of the ‘Performance Specification for a Turnkey Mass Transit Monorail System’ in 2022, the IMA is consistently pursuing its goal of developing further important guidelines in order to broaden the knowledge base on monorail technology and thus meet the steadily growing demand for alternative mobility solutions in public transport.
2025
Technical Framework for Straddle Beam Type Monorail Tire-Guideway Interaction
This guide is the first industry-specific guideline focused on the tire-guideway surface interface in straddle-type monorail systems. It fills a major gap in global transit standards by providing clear, evidence-based recommendations for designing, testing, and maintaining concrete running surfaces for rubber-tired monorails.
2024
IMA Planning Guide for Monorail Systems
The guide offers a comprehensive framework that classifies monorail systems in the broader transportation context. It covers key features and elements of a monorail system, considering both the vehicle technology and the civil infrastructure including wayside elements. It outlines system configuration options and details the critical steps for a successful integration into the urban environment, along with all operational considerations. Topics related to investment, funding and certification are also covered.
2022
Performance Specification for a Turnkey Mass Transit Monorail System
This is a performance catalogue for components, subsystems, vehicles and the infrastructure. It describes the performance of an entire monorail system in a way which enables users to understand what is possible and what can be requested. It also gives the vehicle and infrastructure supply industry a better insight into technology requirements and avoids system-specific isolated solutions. This performance-oriented standardization will ensure more competition along the supply chain and further strengthen the economic efficiency of the overall system.