The Floating Train in Wuppertal
When the Editor-in-Chief, managed to secure an internship in Germany in 2011, it was an unknown destination to him. Getting a first-hand experience into this monorail suspension was one of the first adventures of his life.
“I enjoyed arrival in Germany and in particular what fascinated me was the Schwebebahn floating train which plied its trade in Wuppertal and each day of my internship I used it” – Tawanda Collins Muzamwese
Wuppertal is an interesting City which is cultural and its formation dates back to 1929 when there was a merger of the cities – Elberfeld, Barmen, Ronsdorf and Cronenberg. The life is relaxing, laid back and also filled with adventure. Wuppertal is located in the Rhine North Westphalia in Germany.
From exquisite restaurants, coffee shops, designer clothes outlets and a wide retail network, Wuppertal is a great city to seek some new insights into hospitality.
The monorail suspension better known as the Schwebebahn, is a leading attraction. Many tourists desire to use this piece of technology. The system covers a distance of 13.3km from Oberbarmen to Vohwinkel
A suspended railway is a rare find in the world and it gives a panoramic view of the city. No more worries with respect to the traffic congestion. It is so fascinating to hear that this monorail suspension is about 121 years old as it started operations in 1901.
As we talk about the new millennium and the age of technological advancement, it is very clear that Wuppertal was well head of its time when it started the “Schwebebahn” over a century ago.
Other cities with the same technology of suspended monorails
There are other countries and cities which have embraced monorails. Some of them include Kamakura and Fujisawa which operates the Shonan Monorail in Japan. Others include Schwebebahn Dresden in Dresden, Germany as well as the Chiba Urban Monorails in Japan.
Rethinking Cities
Countries need to re-think about cities and how they can be strategically planned to confront challenges such as congestion and traveller experience. Through research, development and cooperation, it is possible to build smart, resilient and green cities.
