The world’s first electric-powered ‘trackless train’ has been launched in China

[TaiShang]

New ‘trackless train’ which runs on virtual rail lines launched in China

Adam Smith
28 Oct 2017


Is it a tram, or is it a train, or even a fancy bus? The world’s first electric-powered ‘trackless train’ has been launched in China. Using virtual rail lines on the streets of Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, the new Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system can travel up to speeds of 43 mph.

China’s CRRC Corporation, which is one of the world’s biggest train manufacturers, started working on the new technology in 2013 and the system is expected to be rolled out to other cities next year. The trains carry up to 300 passengers and the new system is a cheaper and greener alternative than building new train or tram tracks. People’s Daily Online reported 10 minutes of charging can propel the train for 15.5 miles and each train will have a life-span of around 25 years.

Passengers queue up to take a ride on a railless train, developed by the CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Co. Ltd, on the world’s first ART (Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit) line in Zhuzhou city, central China’s Hunan province (Picture: Rex)

After just 10 minutes of charging, the train can travel 25 kilometres (15.5 miles). The invisible railway uses dotted lines painted on the road and three ‘smart trains’ currently have drivers but are expected to be automated in the future. Chief engineer Feng Jianghua explained the train uses hi-tech sensors to judge distances by the millimeter and continually collects travel information as it moves.

The new trackless trains are 30 metre long and can carry upto 300 passengers (Picture: Rex)

The new ART system was tested China this week (Picture: Rex)

The biggest benefit of the new system will be its low cost and Mr Jianghu estimated it would one fifth the price of building physical tramways in China. Three trains are being tested in Zhuzhou and the line will open to the public in Spring next year.


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[khansaheeb]

China is on track or off track the world's most technologically advance country.

 

[insight-out]

This would be a good progression from our BRTs - the same infrastructure, but greater capacity.

 

[Menthol]

Truly remarkable!!!

Brilliant idea!!!

 

[oprih]

Another first from the most technologically advanced country in the world China.

 

[Solomon2]

I love it. It's been nearly a year since the trials started. Any word how it does in the snow and ice?