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Comment by rgbrenner | Hacker News Reader

Saw the video was from 2007.. looked for an update. It was designed in the 1970s. This was the first system, and was installed in 1989. It's a 2mi loop. In 2013, they installed a 0.6mi line at a Brazilian airport.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_railway#Aeromovel

They're working on a new 3.75mi line in downtown Canoas BR. http://www.aeromovel.com.br/en/projeto/canoas/

In this 1993 article, they say this cost $9m US to construct (using local labor and materials) and $500k/yr to operate. http://articles.latimes.com/1993-01-17/business/fi-2255_1_tr...

That's a lot cheaper than light rail.. but it's hard to do a fair comparison, because of the labor difference and light rail projects (at least in the US) include stuff like tunnels, re-routing highways, etc.

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I lived in Jakarta in 2010... there is no such system operating (and IMO there never will be - it is inferior to conventional electric light rail despite the claims to the contrary made in the video).

But there are a bunch of unused concrete pylons that look just like the ones in the video on certain roads. I was told that was for a light rail system that got cancelled due to rising cost issues. Not sure it was this though, a Japanese contractor that was shafted by the government was mentioned.

I've lived there 20% time since 2009 have never heard of this system. People said the same thing to me about those pylons. They've since launched a "busway" system and are currently building a proper light rail MRT system. It should theoretically begin operation of one of the lines next year. Lots of good work being done now.

Looks like it is in this theme park? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taman_Mini_Indonesia_Indah

Looks like it does exist and is still working, see my comment above:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12722390

Those pylons are the sole legacy of the late, unlamented and never even close to completed Jakarta Monorail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakarta_Monorail

The one in the video is a small test loop in a theme park in south Jakarta (TMII). Its still operational, very noisy. They open up the windows at both end to keep the passengers cool. If you get up early you can go for a jog on the track before it starts!

Various Jakarta monorail / light rail projects have failed in the meantime, however recently work has begun on an elevated light rail and it looks to be making good progress.

I'm curious as to when exactly that video was recorded. It must have been after 1989, but it looks like those 1970s era films we used to watch in elementary school. Which is kind of appropriate given the incredibly simple technology they're using.

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