Moscow authorities are considering closing the monorail line and transforming it into a year-round elevated park. Residents are being asked to voice their opinions on the “Active Citizen” website regarding the future of the monorail, which runs from VDNKh’s northern entrance to the Timiryazevskaya metro station.

The proposal aims to create a 40,000-square-meter green space six meters above ground, featuring walking paths, a four-kilometer running track, and recreation areas with flower beds and trees. Officials estimate the park could attract 20,000 visitors daily. Similar projects in other major cities, such as New York’s High Line Park and Seoul’s Skygarden, were cited as examples.

Authorities stated the monorail, built over 20 years ago, has not fulfilled its transport function. Passenger traffic has decreased tenfold in the last decade, with fewer than 2,000 daily users, primarily tourists. The cost per passenger trip is approximately 1,500 rubles, significantly higher than the metro.

The monorail’s infrastructure is deemed unreliable and in need of repair or renovation, according to a comprehensive survey by the leading state university RUT (MIIT). Furthermore, officials highlight the lack of new trains and the prohibitive cost of updating the cars and establishing new production, estimated at 20 billion rubles. The monorail is also partially duplicated by almost 20 surface transport routes.

Previously, in 2020, authorities suggested turning the monorail area into a promenade, lecture hall and park, open-air cinema, dance floor, or children’s playground. While modernization plans with unmanned trains were considered in 2023, the current focus is on repurposing the space.

To honor the monorail’s history, officials plan to preserve several cars as reminders of Moscow’s unique transportation system.