The last two operational Martin-Marietta-built trains that ran at Walt Disney World's from 1971 till there retirement in 1993 , then reserected in Las Vegas for an experimental one Mile test will make there last runs on January 26, to facilitate the lines incorporation into the new line that is currently under construction. Heres the compleate article .
Last chance for a Mark IV ride? (1/8/03)
Las Vegas, Nevada. Another bit of monorail history takes place on Sunday, January 26th when the MGM-Bally's shuttle monorail ceases operation. The monorail first opened in 1995 and was a success from day one, shuttling passengers between "the two hottest corners in Las Vegas." While it is less than a mile long and has only two stations, on a daily basis it has carried more passengers than some light rail systems that are fifteen times longer with far more stations. The track was built with system expansion in mind and that is why it is going to be closing soon. The track will become part of a larger 4-mile system using new Bombardier M-VI trains. Stations will be retrofitted for automated trains, the track will be upgraded for M-VI trains, a turnback switch will be added at MGM and the guideway will be connected to the new line by cutting directly through the Bally's building. The new Las Vegas Monorail System will open in early 2004 (Phase I). Currently the line uses two refurbished Mark IV trains that were acquired used from Walt Disney World. What will become of the trusty old Mark IVs? That's the big question of the month. Hopefully this won't be the last time we see them, perhaps they can be used for another "start-up" line somewhere. No matter what their fate is, if you want to ride them in Las Vegas one last time you better make plans quickly!
Last chance for a Mark IV ride? (1/8/03)
Las Vegas, Nevada. Another bit of monorail history takes place on Sunday, January 26th when the MGM-Bally's shuttle monorail ceases operation. The monorail first opened in 1995 and was a success from day one, shuttling passengers between "the two hottest corners in Las Vegas." While it is less than a mile long and has only two stations, on a daily basis it has carried more passengers than some light rail systems that are fifteen times longer with far more stations. The track was built with system expansion in mind and that is why it is going to be closing soon. The track will become part of a larger 4-mile system using new Bombardier M-VI trains. Stations will be retrofitted for automated trains, the track will be upgraded for M-VI trains, a turnback switch will be added at MGM and the guideway will be connected to the new line by cutting directly through the Bally's building. The new Las Vegas Monorail System will open in early 2004 (Phase I). Currently the line uses two refurbished Mark IV trains that were acquired used from Walt Disney World. What will become of the trusty old Mark IVs? That's the big question of the month. Hopefully this won't be the last time we see them, perhaps they can be used for another "start-up" line somewhere. No matter what their fate is, if you want to ride them in Las Vegas one last time you better make plans quickly!
More Disney history down the tubes...
