Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART)

In several Chinese cities, a new kind of transit system is quietly transforming public transport — the Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART). It looks like a train, moves like a train, and carries as many passengers as a train… but there are no tracks. Instead, the vehicles follow a virtual rail system painted on the road using sensors, LIDAR, and AI guidance. They glide with remarkable precision, making tight turns impossible for traditional trams. Because no physical rails are needed, cities can install ART routes in months rather than years, at a fraction of the cost. These smart trains are electric, fast, and nearly silent. They can extend or shorten their length based on demand and are ideal for rapidly growing cities that need clean transport without heavy construction. China’s ART system might be the blueprint for future urban mobility — flexible, green, and hyper-efficient.