The monorail system used four fully air-conditioned four-car trains which travelled around the park in approximately 11 minutes. It ceased operations in 2012 and was replaced by a trackless tram service.
History
A monorail entering a panorail station in October 2009
A monorail system was first mooted in 1988 when the Jurong Bird Park still utilised diesel trams to ferry visitors around the park.[1][2] On 21 June 1990, a sign promoting a monorail development with two stations and four trains was sighted at the park. The proposed monorail would be Singapore's second monorail after the Sentosa Monorail which commenced operations in 1982.[3] In September 1990, the executive director of the park, S.Thiruchelvam, said that a monorail would run silently and not emit pollution as it would be powered by electricity. It was also intended to facilitate closer contact between visitors and the birds.[2]
The system was planned by Swiss engineering company Vonroll Transport Systems and construction began in November 1990.[2][4] Its viaducts were painted in green to blend in with the natural environment. It was budgeted at S$18 million (US$9.93 million) with a stipulated opening date in September 1991.[2] An unveiling ceremony for the trains was held on 16 September 1991.[4] The system was also announced as a "panorail", a portmanteau of "panoramic" and "rail".[4] It was launched by President Wee Kim Wee on 11 April 1992, the 21st anniversary of the park.[5][6]
Part of the panorail's route entered an aviary, which was promoted as "the only one of its kind in the world".[7] Four trains, with a four-car setup, ran at 3-5 minute frequencies between stations. The trains were fully air-conditioned and ran in a 1.7 km (1.1 mi) loop around the park, with each loop taking approximately 11 minutes. A recorded commentary was played during the journey detailing places of interest.[6] Its tinted windows extended from the knees to the roof.[4] Stations were equipped with a single lift for handicapped visitors and train seats could be lifted for wheelchairs to back into.[8]
The panorail ceased operations in 2012.[9] The panorail was still listed on the official website as of 14 April 2012,[10] but was replaced by a trackless tram service listing by 3 May 2012.[11]
