Key Facts
• July 29, 2024: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism released congestion data.
• Shonan Monorail recorded a 153% congestion rate during peak hours (7:11–8:04 AM).
• Chiba Monorail reported a 151% congestion rate during peak hours (8:00–9:00 AM).
• Shonan Monorail peak section: Fujimicho → Ofuna, with 2,721 passengers vs. 1,776 capacity.
• Chiba Monorail peak section: Chiba Park → Chiba, with 2,174 passengers vs. 1,440 capacity.
• Shonan Monorail saw a 250-passenger increase from 2023 (139% congestion rate).
• Chiba Monorail reduced train frequency from 10 to 9 trains per hour in 2024.
• Tokyo Monorail (straddle-type) has a peak capacity of 8,700 passengers (6 cars × 15 trains).
• Suspension monorails have lower capacities (1,000s) compared to straddle monorails (2,000–8,000s).
• Both Shonan and Chiba Monorails are the only suspension monorails in Japan.
Summary
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism revealed that Japan’s two suspension monorails, Shonan and Chiba, experienced high congestion rates exceeding 150% in 2024. Shonan Monorail, operating between Ofuna and Shonan Enoshima, recorded a 153% congestion rate during its busiest hour, with a 250-passenger increase from 2023. Chiba Monorail, recognized by Guinness World Records for its 15.2 km length, reported a 151% congestion rate, partly due to reduced train frequency. In contrast, straddle-type monorails like Tokyo Monorail have significantly higher capacities, highlighting the challenges faced by suspension monorails in managing passenger demand.
