Objective Medium and low-capacity rail transit systems have gradually become an effective supplement to large-capacity rapid rail transit systems with the significant role they played in application scenarios such as airport connections and tourism. Statistical analysis is conducted on the operational status and planning and construction data of medium and low-capacity rail transit systems, aiming to provide reference for governments, enterprises and relevant scholars.

Method Based on seven types of medium and low-capacity rail transit systems classified by GB/T 44413-2024 "Classification of Urban Rail Transit", statistics on the operation data and planning and construction data of each type from 1996 to 2024 are compiled, and the operation scenarios and development trends of each type are analyzed. The application prospects of this transit system in public transportation and specific tourist rail transit, airport metro and other aspects are further explored.

Result and Conclusion  During the statistical period, the overall operation of medium and low-capacity rail transit systems was relatively good. From the perspective of the cumulative operating mileage of each system (excluding the tram system), the straddle-type monorail system and the electronic guide rubber wheel system have the highest proportions (32.1% and 31.39% respectively). From the perspective of the cumulative number of operational lines of each system, the electronic guide rubber wheel system and the automatic guide track system have the largest cumulative number of operational lines. The automatic guided rail system is widely applied in airport rapid transit scenarios. Suspended monorail systems, medium and low-speed maglev systems, and electronic guided rubber wheel systems have performed well in tourism and sightseeing scenarios.