Universal Orlando Resort Expansion (Part 1)

[WAJAS]

My impression was the golf complex was on the OTHER side of Universal Blvd on the vacant plot between the Pointe and Convention Center.

You may be right. I haven't bothered looking it up.

 

[graspthesun]

Just seen this about a proposed monorail for Glasgow. Why they decided to make those letters red, I'll never know.

Glasgow monorail: Channel Tunnel engineers draw up plans for high-tech link to airport, SECC, hospital and Braehead (From Evening Times)

I only thought this was relevant to show that monorails are still being proposed as a viable transport option.

That equates to $439m for 7.5 miles worth of track. Assuming you could scale down, that's almost $60m a mile, but it's not likely that you can because rolling stock, stations and electronics are probably a fixed cost in the equation.

 

[s8film40]

That equates to $439m for 7.5 miles worth of track. Assuming you could scale down, that's almost $60m a mile, but it's not likely that you can because rolling stock, stations and electronics are probably a fixed cost in the equation.

Everyone gets hung up on a "per mile" cost. These transit systems aren't calculated that way. It's a whole system track, trains, stations and support infrastructure. You just can't calculate a per mile cost on one system and apply it another.

 

[Scott W.]

Everyone gets hung up on a "per mile" cost. These transit systems aren't calculated that way. It's a whole system track, trains, stations and support infrastructure. You just can't calculate a per mile cost on one system and apply it another.

The cost per mile is still a relevant method for comparing one system to another however.

 

[s8film40]

The cost per mile is still a relevant method for comparing one system to another however.

Well just for comparison the Bombardier Brazil system, which is the successor to the Disney monorail technology cost $1.4 billion for 15 miles. So that's $93 million a mile roughly. Although I think that's a pretty good value considering it includes 17 stations and 54 7-car trains.

 

[Scott W.]

Well just for comparison the Bombardier Brazil system, which is the successor to the Disney monorail technology cost $1.4 billion for 15 miles. So that's $93 million a mile roughly. Although I think that's a pretty good value considering it includes 17 stations and 54 7-car trains.

I explained that poorly. I didn't mean comparing one monorail system to another monorail system but for comparing a monorail to say a fleet of buses or a PRT system.

 

[graspthesun]

Exactly. Why spent $150-200m for a monorail, when a light rail system or a dedicated busway might only cost $40-60m? As long as the transit is consistent and reliable, it doesn't make sense to spend money to make it fancy.

 

[s8film40]

Exactly. Why spent $150-200m for a monorail, when a light rail system or a dedicated busway might only cost $40-60m? As long as the transit is consistent and reliable, it doesn't make sense to spend money to make it fancy.

Well the reason to spend the extra money is to separate the system from the road traffic.

The real question would be why spend $40-60m on a light rail system that still sits in the same traffic a bus would.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

Well the reason to spend the extra money is to separate the system from the road traffic.

The real question would be why spend $40-60m on a light rail system that still sits in the same traffic a bus would.

There are grade separate light rail systems. In Florida, well Orlando, at grade transit is not viable and will not happen for the tourist district. You can elevate a light rail.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

Cabana Bay as seen from the area around the Universal future land.

 

[s8film40]

There are grade separate light rail systems. In Florida, well Orlando, at grade transit is not viable and will not happen for the tourist district. You can elevate a light rail.

Elevated light rail is more expensive than monorail. Much heavier supports are needed.

 

[Scott W.]

Exactly. Why spent $150-200m for a monorail, when a light rail system or a dedicated busway might only cost $40-60m? As long as the transit is consistent and reliable, it doesn't make sense to spend money to make it fancy.

I think capacity will be the other issue but I'm having a difficult time figuring out just how many people would use it.

The guests staying on site would obviously use it to travel between resorts and the occasional guest would as well but I think the majority of people who are heading to the parks by car will park at the dedicated car park for that resort.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

Elevated light rail is more expensive than monorail. Much heavier supports are needed.

I have to look I to that. Interesting about the cost.

 

[s8film40]

I have to look I to that. Interesting about the cost.

This is a little dated but the principal holds true, monorails are always going to be a more efficient use of materials when elevated.

 

[UK-Trigg]

Exactly. Why spent $150-200m for a monorail, when a light rail system or a dedicated busway might only cost $40-60m? As long as the transit is consistent and reliable, it doesn't make sense to spend money to make it fancy.

Diagon Alley is quite fancy, Sometimes it's money well spent. In this case I think a monorail, or at least an elevated rail system is a must.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

This is a little dated but the principal holds true, monorails are always going to be a more efficient use of materials when elevated.

Long term costs for light rail is cheaper though correct?

Another reason I can't understand why Maglev is being considered here in Orlando, which now will involve the Universal area around the convention center.

 

[graspthesun]

There are grade separate light rail systems. In Florida, well Orlando, at grade transit is not viable and will not happen for the tourist district. You can elevate a light rail.

Isn't elevated rail considered heavy rail? Light rail and dedicated busways can easily be set off from traffic lanes, thus the word dedicated.

I am curious to know why at grade transit wouldn't be considered viable.

Diagon Alley is quite fancy, Sometimes it's money well spent. In this case I think a monorail, or at least an elevated rail system is a must.

True, but my preference would be to allocate money towards in-park experiences as opposed to fancier transit options.

 

[Scott W.]

Part of me thinks that they will head down the monorail route simply because it's what is expected.

 

[s8film40]

Long term costs for light rail is cheaper though correct?

Another reason I can't understand why Maglev is being considered here in Orlando, which now will involve the Universal area around the convention center.

No. Monorail as far as track is concerned is virtually maintenance free. Light rail uses tradition rail, the rail has to be continually checked for alignment and loose ties. Also track has to be replaced as it wears out.

 

[s8film40]

Isn't elevated rail considered heavy rail? Light rail and dedicated busways can easily be set off from traffic lanes, thus the word dedicated.

I am curious to know why at grade transit wouldn't be considered viable.



True, but my preference would be to allocate money towards in-park experiences as opposed to fancier transit options.

Technically the term light rail refers to what the rail is carrying. Passengers instead of heavy cargo is considered light rail. Monorail is actually also considered light rail.