Wenzhou, Zhejiang, plans to build a network of Syktrain system to solve traffic congestion. The Skytrain proposal has been submitted earlier this year to the State Development and Reform Commission for approval.
     After considering various options of mass transit systems, the Wenzhou city government confirmed that the Skytrain proposal is in the best interest of the city. Analysts said the underground soil is quite soft in Wenzhou area and is unsuitable for the construction of tunnels and rail racks, as a result, the construction of Skytrain is the best choice.
     The so-called 'Skytrain' refers to the rail train running along an elevated track. The track can be erected either under or above the train (with carriages hanging from the track).
     Construction of this mode of transport does not take up a lot of space of the city's existing public facilities. The design and planning are more suitable for Wenzhou city which has a high density of buildings and narrow streets. The development of Skytrain has a lower construction cost. According to estimation, the construction of Skytrain is about RMB200 million yuan per kilometer, which is much lower than underground mass transit and light rail systems. Recent reports indicate the construction cost for Hangzhou Metro Line 1 is nearly RMB600 million yuan per kilometer and the light rail system costs approximately RMB300 million yuan per kilometer.
     In China, there are many cities are planning to build Skytrain to solve traffic congestion; however, all the projects are still in the planning stage. Wenzhou City Transportation Management Group reviewed that the current Wenzhou Skytrain project has just passed the pre-feasibility report.
     The proposed Wenzhou Skytrain system will cover a distance of 10 km and most probably, it will be the first mass transit systems of its kind to be built in China. The design and construction of the system will follow similar systems in Germany and Holland. The final route would bypass residential areas in order to minimize disturbance during construction.