The intermediate report “Iași Monorail”, prepared by Ștefan Roșeanu for the #HaiCăSePoate Association, designates the T4a route (Central Station – Copou – Regional Emergency Hospital – Airport) as the main priority for the development of rapid metropolitan transit. Scoring the highest, namely 47.3 points out of 57 (82.9%), the 7.51-kilometer corridor is the only one evaluated as favorable and recommended as a priority, having the potential to become a new urban backbone.
The project proposes connecting the city’s main points of interest through rapid and segregated infrastructure, combining an underground solution in the protected Copou area with an elevated route on sections where such construction is permitted. Although it captures an existing population of 71,907 residents within an 800-meter radius — lower compared to corridors T1 (over 202,000 residents, 42.7 points) and T4b (over 191,000 residents, 40.9 points) —, T4a offers major advantages through TOD (Transit Oriented Development) growth. On the Regional Hospital – Airport section, over 50% of the land is vacant or available for controlled densification. The secondary routes evaluated, T3 (approximately 36.5 points) and T2 (36 points), recorded lower scores due to major constraints related to narrow thoroughfares, dense utility networks, and proximity to residential blocks.
The technological analysis ranks the Maglev system first with 29 points (due to acoustic performance, integration, and reduced visual impact), followed by the straddle monorail (26 points), suspended system (21 points), and light-rail (13 points), with the final option depending on construction and maintenance costs. From a traffic perspective, introducing the monorail could reduce personal car use from 52.4% to 33.5%, generating a transfer of about 19% of trips to public transport. The network would be supported by 5 Park & Ride terminals with a total capacity of over 3,100 parking spaces (Lețcani – over 800, Bucium – 700, Miroslava – 600, Ciurea – 500, Tomești – 500) and the reorganization of bus lines as feeder routes. Data shows that 79% of residents would completely or partially give up their cars, and 40% of the population considers a fare of around EUR 0.95 (RON 5) per trip to be acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which route was designated as the top priority for the Iași monorail project?
The T4a route, connecting Central Station, Copou, Regional Emergency Hospital, and Iași Airport, was designated as the primary priority, scoring 47.3 out of 57 points.
What technology options are being considered for the transit system?
The analysis evaluated Maglev (ranked first with 29 points), straddle monorail (26 points), suspended system (21 points), and light-rail (13 points), with the final choice depending on construction and maintenance costs.
How could the monorail impact personal car usage in Iași?
The introduction of the monorail could decrease personal car usage from 52.4% to 33.5%, shifting approximately 19% of commuter trips to public transportation.