Chiba Urban Monorail


The Chiba Urban Monorail is a two-line suspended monorail system located in Chiba, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is owned and operated by Chiba Urban Monorail Co., Ltd, a so-called "third-sector" company established on March 20, 1979. Investors include Chiba Prefecture and the city of Chiba.
The first segment opened on March 28, 1988, the remainder 11 years later on March 24, 1999. The PASMO contactless smart card can be used to purchase fares.
It is the world's longest suspended monorail system at 15.2 km in track length.

Routes

Line 1

Line 1 connects Chiba Minato Station and Kencho-mae Station by a 3.2 km multiple-track route. Operating at 1500 VDC, trains make four intermediate stops.

Station list

Line 2

Line 2 connects Chiba Station and Chishiro-dai Station. Operating at 1500 VDC, trains make 11 intermediate stops on the 12.0 km multiple-track route. Nearly all trains continue on Line 1 to Chiba-Minato Station.

Station list

Extension Plans

Extensions of Line 1 have been proposed, notably a five-station, 3.4-km extension from Kenchō-mae Station to Chiba Municipal Aoba Hospital. However, in 2004 an evaluation committee found that there was no need for the extension, and proposed closing the underused segment from Chiba Station to Kencho-mae Station. An alternative 2 km extension to Chiba University is under consideration.

History

Special Tickets

Note: can be used at 60 locations for special discounts and services on the day of purchase.