I know the idea was baked a very long time ago, but I don't think anything has been done with the idea over the past century.

In short, it's exactly what it sounds like. A single rail, on the ground, on which a train runs. Rubber tyres running on concrete beams are used to stop the train from falling over, whilst the rail takes the weight of the vehicle.

I think such a system may be cheaper than the usual dual rail system (which was the argument for it when it was first suggested). Certainly it should be easier to install than standard gauge. Probably not suitable for heavy freight, but perhaps an option for reopening some old lines for passengers? Or as a 'heritage' rail?
-- Selky, Apr 08 2017

Patiala State Monorail https://en.wikipedi..._Monorail_Trainways
This is the bakery I was looking for. [Selky, Apr 09 2017]

Ewing System https://en.wikipedi...g/wiki/Ewing_System
...and the baked goods in question. [Selky, Apr 09 2017]

A higher approach to [popbottle]'s suggestion Gondola_20with_20the_20Wind
[normzone, Apr 13 2017]

How will it turn corners? A pair of wheels, of opposite conicalicity, are crucial to achieving this with modern trains.
-- Wrongfellow, Apr 08 2017


Maybe some sort of single passenger train suspended just under the the power lines on the utility poles.

Expensive, 150 lb passenger weight limit, and a guarantee to get you there past the daily traffic jam or no fee. Maybe use plastics in place of concrete for the aerial stretches.

----

New York, New York, a helluva town. The Bronx is up, but the Battery's down. The smart people ride in a monorail in the sky ?
-- popbottle, Apr 08 2017


If the trains are very narrow you could have four trains running on a set of tracks for two normal trains? Like those dinky road cars where you get two to each lane
-- DDRopDeadly, Apr 13 2017


They're called "motorcycles" ...
-- 8th of 7, Apr 13 2017



random, halfbakery