Chastain Proclaims 'Poppycock' Against AI Monorail Cost Per Mile Estimates

Our favorite transit activist is now arguing with his phone in this latest presser . . . Here's the update and a glimpse at his ballot issue campaign . . . 

$50M vs. $200M Per Mile: Electrical Engineer Clay Chastain Debunks the 'True Cost' of KC's Monorail 

Welcome to the "Brave New World" of AI & 'Cheaters' who can corrupt its output. 

In KC's case, our "Cheaters" are the Local officials & transit advocacy groups who oppose Chastain's Monorail Initiative. And, they are Cheating again. This time by flooding AI (& social media platforms like Reddit) with false & distorted information about KC's Monorail Initiative because their Boring Bus Vision is being totally outshined by Chastain's (Shining) Monorail Vision. However, Electrical Engineer Chastain sets AI & the record straight about the True Cost & the True Advantages of KC's Magnificent Citywide Airport Monorail.

Google 'KC's Monorail' & AI claims it's not viable because it will cost $200 Million per mile to construct or a total of $6.0 Billion for the 30-mile Monorail Spine. Oh yes (AI adds), according to "local officials & transit advocacy groups". Pure Poppycock. The estimated cost of 'Constructing' KC's Monorail is $50-60 Million per mile or $1.8 Billion for the entire system. Chastain derives that estimated cost from Cairo, Egypt's New (similar) 61-mile Monorail System that (according to Monorail provider 'Alstom') cost $49 Million per mile To Construct (excludes O & M costs & financing fees).

The designer of KCMO's Monorail Initiative, Electrical Engineer Clay Chastain, speaks to the Advantages of KCMO's (proposed) Citywide Airport Monorail System & answers Critics who argue its Disadvantages:


Advantages of KC's Monorail: 

A. Comprehensive: 30- mile Monorail Spine is a Citywide Rapid Rail System that connects the entire City (KCI Airport, Northland, Downtown, Union Station Hub, Plaza, Eastside, KC Zoo) - not just a stand alone, short Streetcar line. 

B. Space & Cost - Saving Footprint: Elevated support pillars & guideways require minimum ground & horizontal space & do not require deep utility relocation or extensive street disruption during construction - as do ground rail systems. 

C. Grade Separation: Operates on dedicated path above the fray (eliminating surface collisions, red lights & street level (traffic) delays.

D. High Quality Ride: Rubber tired wheels produce less noise than diesel buses & smoother ride, and provide better traction (for steep grades) than ground rail systems.

E. 99.9% reliable: Most reliable form of transit there is. 

F. Spatial Benefits: Elevation provides a thrilling presentation of "the City Beautiful". 

G. Transit Connections: New Regional Multimodal Transportation Center @ Union Station facilitates easy connections between Monorail, City Streetcars, Metro Express Buses, Greenway network & Amtrak.

H. Economic Engine: Permanent 30-mile spine generates affordable housing, mixed-use development and New Healthy Density along the Monorail corridor (North & South of the River).

I. Uniqueness: Cutting - edge & Zero-Emission Monorail System provides KC the competitive-edge in attracting new...World Cup - type events, 

tech-companies, conventions, businesses, tourists, corporations & residents.

J. Derailment Resistance: Straddle - type (wrap around the beam) makes physical derailment a near impossibility.

Critics claim the following Disadvantages: 

A. Complex & expensive track switching required: FALSE: There will be no track switches as KC's Monorail will be a single line spine (North to South).

B. Incompatibility with Streetcar or other transit systems: FALSE: New Union Station Regional Transportation Center facilitates easy connections between...Monorail, Streetcars, E-Buses, 

Greenway network, Metro Express Buses & Amtrak.

C. High maintenance & running costs: FALSE: Lower maintenance than buses & streetcars (which also have overhead wires) & lower running costs than both buses & streetcars because the Monorail is driverless (automated).

D. Elevated stations costly: True. However, KC's Monorail System will require fewer elevated stations by relying on a novel mini-electric shuttle bus system to get riders to & from Stations. 

E. High capital construction costs: FALSE: KC's Monorail can be built for $50 Million per mile (vs. $100 Million per mile for City's Streetcar System on Main St.) because of a low-cost corridor (Existing... Wide City Streets & Blvds., right-of-ways & park space), and the fact the Monorail's pillars & guideways can be prefabricated locally & installed by KC's own work force.

All Aboard.    

Electrical Engineer, Clay Chastain 
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