Why did monorails fail?

[Slick Vik]

At one time it seemed like monorail was the hot new thing, but globally  never really caught on like heavy or light rail or streetcar. Anyone have any input as to why?

[Houston19514]

Clearly, it was GM

[august948]

I'd have to guess it was the cost involved.

[samagon]

General motors conspired to make monorail fail.

I always think of the Simpsons episode about monorail.

My understanding is that costs are really to high for monorail to be successful anywhere but Disney world.

Another problem that always gets me is how would one line cross another?

[mfastx]

Monorail is just too expensive I guess. Not sure why it "failed" but the few monorail lines that aren't part of Disney have low ridership.  Just really expensive per rider, not as fast, etc.

[KinkaidAlum]

Elevated rail lines, whether for monorails, heavy rail lines, or even light rail lines, are visual blights. People don't like to live right next to them and businesses don't like being in the shadow of them.

 

I am pro-rail, but do not favor an elevated system. I saw first hand the success Boston had by getting rid of the old elevated Orange Line. 

[Reaper88]

General motors conspired to make monorail fail. I always think of the Simpsons episode about monorail. My understanding is that costs are really to high for monorail to be successful anywhere but Disney world. Another problem that always gets me is how would one line cross another?

 

You forgot Las Vegas.

[livincinco]

You forgot Las Vegas.

Same point though. In both cases, it's a tourist attraction and a novelty. Not a serious form of transit.