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China has unveiled an ingenious public transportation solution designed to alleviate commuting challenges. Rail Bus a hybrid self-driving vehicle that blends the features of a train and a bus, potentially marking the world’s first railless train.
Watch the video of Train Bus running on road without a rail track.
Termed as the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART), this elongated vehicle made its debut in Zhuzhou, Hunan province. Sporting three standard train/tube-like compartments, the ART runs on a virtual track rather than traditional rails, giving it the technical classification of a bus.
How Can a Rail Bus Move Without Tracks?
The RailBus revolutionizes urban transportation by operating without traditional tracks, navigating city streets using painted road markings as a guide.
Equipped with cutting-edge sensors beneath the vehicle, the RailBus merges the efficiency of trams with the flexibility of buses, following a “virtual track” system. These advanced sensors meticulously read the specially designed road markings, enabling the vehicle to maintain millimeter-level accuracy throughout its journey.
This precision doesn’t happen in isolation. Real-time data collected by the sensors is continuously transmitted to the operators, who make swift, informed decisions to ensure the RailBus operates safely and efficiently.
Capable of carrying up to 231 passengers and reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h, the RailBus represents a seamless blend of technology and innovation, redefining the possibilities of urban mobility.
The Innovative ART Rail Bus Bridging Trains and Buses
The ART, with a capacity to accommodate up to 231 passengers and reach speeds of up to 70km per hour, is currently undergoing testing on a 6.5km track in Zhuzhou. Constructed by CRRC, the company envisions making it operational by the coming year. Beyond addressing congestion, the ART aims to combat rising pollution levels by being completely battery-operated, covering 15 miles with just a 10-minute charge.
Modularity and Efficiency
Resembling a modular train or a contemporary tram, the ART allows for the addition or removal of carriages to cater to varying passenger loads.
The ART is a rubber-tired, electric-powered vehicle that navigates using virtual tracks projected onto the road. These virtual tracks are essentially digital guidelines that the train’s onboard sensors and AI system follow. Its navigation is guided by a pair of white lines painted on the street, and equipped with sensors akin to autonomous vehicles, ensuring obstacle avoidance.
A Vision Six Years in the Making
The development of ART commenced in 2013, driven by the necessity to alleviate congestion in China’s bustling urban centers. The government’s focus on establishing a cost-effective solution to traffic congestion materialized through CRRC’s efforts, resulting in the construction of the ART at a cost nearly equivalent to a regular bus in Chinese urban areas.
China’s breakthrough with the Autonomous Rail Transit (Rail bus) not only presents a revolutionary approach to public transportation but also addresses environmental concerns. As the world eagerly anticipates the operational deployment of this innovative hybrid, it stands as a testament to China’s commitment to pioneering solutions for urban challenges.
In conclusion, the Autonomous Rail Transit emerges as a transformative force in urban transportation, spearheading a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. This self-driving marvel, introduced by CRRC, challenges conventional notions of buses, trains, and trams.
Rail Bus is set to transform the cityscape with eco-friendly and high-efficiency public transportation
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