METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

BYD to build its first cross-sea monorail in Brazil

The approximately 12-mile seaside route will be partially built above the sea to connect to an offshore island, with another portion traversing above a 19th century railway track.

May 25, 2018
BYD to build its first cross-sea monorail in Brazil

SkyRail in the Brazilian city of Salvador will be partially built above the sea.

BYD

2 min to read


SkyRail in the Brazilian city of Salvador will be partially built above the sea. BYD

BYD signed a landmark agreement to construct its SkyRail monorail system in the Brazilian city of Salvador, a project that will be the first of its kind for BYD in Latin America.

The approximately 12-mile seaside route will be partially built above the sea to connect to an offshore island, with another portion traversing above a 19th century railway track that is set to be converted into a pedestrian zone. Construction for the $689 million project will be divided into two phases, and is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2018 and be operational in 2021. BYD monorail project will connect with the existing subway, providing seamless transportation for the city of 3.8 million residents.

Ad Loading...

“Air pollution and traffic congestion are the twin evils of urban living. The SkyRail will provide the residents of Salvador with a low-carbon and more convenient way of travelling,” said BYD sr. VP Stella Li. “This project is an important milestone in our global revolution. BYD is willing to work together with our partners to electrify transport and make it ‘smarter’.”

The engineering excellence of the SkyRail, such as its strong climbing capacity, makes the vehicle capable of negotiating the difficult local terrain. In addition, the SkyRail is quiet and carbon-free. Its elevated construction does not affect normal pedestrian and traffic flow, providing a non-disruptive addition to Salvador’s urban landscape.

The local government has plans to boost tourism in the area where the SkyRail will be constructed with the help of domestic companies.

Launched in October 2016 after five years of research and development, the SkyRail, which features an automated driving system of the highest level, is currently operational in the western Chinese city of Yinchuan. Outside of China, BYD has won strategic partnerships with countries such as the Philippines, Egypt, Morocco, and Cambodia.

More Technology

A Go Durham bus
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 20, 2026

TSI Delivers North Carolina Refurbs, Expanded SilverRide Partnerships Highlight Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
A Chicago Metra train on rail tracks
Technologyby StaffMarch 20, 2026

Chicago's Metra to Launch Fare Collection Tech Pilot

A major goal of the pilot, which begins in April, is to test the speed, functionality, and durability of new handheld devices to scan Ventra and paper tickets.

Read More →
An ABQ RIDE bus going through a Westmatic wash system.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 16, 2026

Biz Briefs: Westmatic in Albuquerque, New Fare Payment Systems, and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Alstom, Modeshift, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of a traffic signal
TechnologyMarch 16, 2026

AI Bus Lane Enforcement Boosts Safety, Reliability in West Hollywood

Traditionally, bus lane enforcement has relied on manual processes carried out by transit police or parking enforcement officers. While it may be effective in certain municipalities, this approach is resource-intensive and very difficult to sustain.

Read More →
A Coach USA vehicle wrapped for Newark International Airport service.
TechnologyMarch 11, 2026

Scaling Smart: How Fleet Operations Can Cut Downtime and Drive Growth

A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.

Read More →
A Sound Transit Link light rail vehicle in a station
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 10, 2026

INIT Introduces Open Payments for Seattle’s ORCA Fare System

The landmark event empowers riders across six agencies in the Puget Sound region to tap-and-ride transit using a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An MBTA paratransit vehicle.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 9, 2026

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards

Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.

Read More →
Cover photo for Biz Briefs dated March 6, 2026
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 6, 2026

Biz Briefs: Tolar Manufacturing Supports PSTA Spark Service and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Cover Photo for METROspectives with Timothy Menard
TechnologyMarch 5, 2026

How AI and Innovation Are Powering the Future with LYT’s Timothy Menard

Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An NJ TRANSIT bus
Technologyby StaffMarch 4, 2026

NJ Transit Pilots AI-Powered Digital Bus Stop Signs

The pilot program showcases two companies’ technology at eight bus stops. The companies submitted their ideas through the Transit Tech Lab, which is backed by the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.

Read More →