As part of the day trip organised by the “MONOCAB Rijn-Waal” research project, under the leadership of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, interested members of the public had the opportunity to experience the “MONOCAB” monorail technology first-hand on 23 May. The project is investigating
The issues and challenges of rural mobility had already been addressed at the launch event “New Mobility in Rural Areas”, held on 29 March 2025 at the Kranenburg Community Centre, which featured a number of interesting specialist presentations. The next step was to involve the local residents. Under the motto “Away from dry theory, towards a practical experience”, the MONOCAB could now be experienced first-hand. On 23 May, two coaches set off on a day trip from the Lower Rhine to Extertal in the Lippe region. There, the gyroscopically stabilised MONOCAB was to demonstrate its suitability for everyday use on a test section.
The aim of the day trip was to demonstrate the potential of autonomous monorail vehicles for the reactivation of disused railway lines – including across the border between Germany and the Netherlands. Guests from the Kleve-Nijmegen border region watched the live demonstration of the innovative MONOCAB technology with great interest. This technology is being developed under the leadership of the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences.
The invitation was extended to anyone interested in new forms of mobility for rural areas. The offer of a test ride on a MONOCAB was aimed in particular at groups of people who do not have unrestricted access to a car, such as schoolchildren, older people or those with disabilities. The invitation was also extended to residents living along the disused Kleve-Groesbeek railway line, particularly those living on the Dutch side of the border. As a result, guests from the Netherlands also made good use of the offer. “I was sceptical at first. That’s also why I thought the research project’s offer was a really good idea – to have the chance to experience the technology first-hand,” said one passenger afterwards. “Riding in the MONOCAB was a great experience; I’d love to see something like this in everyday life in the Lower Rhine region.”
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, represented by Prof. Dr Ralf Klapdor, organised the event in collaboration with mobility expert Ruben Loendersloot from Nijmegen and a dedicated group of supporters from the region. “MONOCABs offer a realistic prospect for regions with limited public transport coverage – particularly where traditional rail services cannot be revived economically or would not be accepted by the local population,” emphasised Prof. Klapdor. The planned operations on the disused line between Kleve and Groesbeek represent a promising pilot project for the mobility of tomorrow.
The old saying ‘You don’t eat what you don’t know’ also applies when it comes to technological innovations. As part of the research project, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is therefore also investigating the social acceptance of this pioneering technology. Through extensive surveys, the researchers are attempting to determine the conditions under which a new technology, such as the autonomous, AI-controlled MONOCAB vehicle, might be accepted by users. Results are expected this autumn. However, one researcher involved has already reported that many passengers subsequently described positive experiences, and that initial concerns thus largely proved to be unfounded. This already demonstrates that direct experience of new technologies can foster acceptance – a direction in which the research project intends to proceed.
The event was seen not only as a technical presentation, but also as an important catalyst for cross-border cooperation. Andreas Lietschulte, co-initiator and representative of the support group for the reactivation of the Kleve–Nijmegen railway line, emphasised the project’s importance for barrier-free, environmentally friendly and staff-independent mobility in rural areas. A pilot project for the 2029 State Garden Show in Kleve is being considered. The successful demonstration in Extertal marked a significant step towards a sustainable mobility transition – across national borders.
Please send any questions or comments to: monocab-rijn-waal(at)
Contact
: Dr Wolf Gardian
, Research Associate
, Faculty of Society and Economics
, 02821 80673313,
wolf.gardian(at)
Contact person, MONOCAB Rijn-Waal
Support Group Ruben Loendersloot
Loendersloot Consultancy, Nijmegen
ruben(at)
The project is made possible by the Interreg Germany-Netherlands programme and its programme partners, and is co-financed by the European Union.
