Moscow’s monorail system, once envisioned as a futuristic solution to urban transportation, faces an uncertain future as citizens vote on its fate. The project, conceived decades ago, has been plagued by criticism, operational issues, and financial burdens, leading to questions about its continued viability.

The idea of a monorail in Moscow dates back to the 1960s when it was proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative to the metro. Initial plans involved a circular track within the VDNKh exhibition grounds, but the project was ultimately shelved. The concept resurfaced in the 1980s during VDNKh’s reconstruction, with plans for a 3.9 km route, but economic instability once again delayed its realization.

Construction finally began in 2001, with the first phase opening in 2004. Full operation commenced in 2008 with all six stations opened and travel cards introduced. However, the monorail faced criticism from experts and citizens who questioned its cost-effectiveness and functionality. Critics argued that a tram line would have been a more practical solution. The project cost over 6.3 billion rubles, equivalent to a deep-level metro station, and required significant subsidies.

Operational problems further plagued the system, with carriages breaking down and a lack of spare parts. The route duplicated existing tram lines, and passenger traffic declined with the opening of the Moscow Central Circle railway and tram network expansion. Currently, only a few carriages remain operational, and replacing the unique trains would be costly.

In June 2025, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that citizens would decide the monorail’s fate through a vote on the “Active Citizen” portal. The options are to preserve the monorail in its current form or transform it into a promenade park. The outcome of the vote will determine whether the Moscow monorail continues as a tourist attraction or becomes a relic of ambitious but unrealized urban planning.