China's New Electric Train Doesn't Need Driver or Tracks | Zhuzhou, China

World's first trackless train runs on road on June 2, 2017 in Zhuzhou, China © VCG / Getty Images

Note:  I've got to wonder if that city name sounds like choo choo to someone in China.  Inquiring minds need to know.


Chinese rail transit firm CRRC has unveiled a 30-meter long ‘smart bus’ or rather a combination of bus, tram and train rolled into one. The new vehicle is expected to speed up public transportation in the country.

The developer describes the so-called Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) as a ‘railless train’ and it can carry 300 passengers in three carriages. Cars can be added or removed if needed.

According to the manufacturer, the electric vehicle can travel up to 40 km on a full charge with a maximum speed of 70 km per hour.  It runs on rubber tires and has sensors to read the dimensions of the road and plan its route. The idea is that the 'smart bus' could travel without a driver or rails.

The transit system was unveiled in Zhuzhou, in China's Hunan province is expected to be much cheaper than a subway or tram system since it doesn't require infrastructure to be laid down. It will be offered as a cheaper alternative to rail-based public transport as most medium-sized, and small cities in China can’t afford expensive subway systems.

According to Xinhua, it costs up to $102 million to build a kilometer of a subway track, as compared to about $2 million for a standard length ART bus.

A 6.5-kilometer demonstration route is due to open in Zhuzhou next year.

RT:   China's new electric train doesn't need driver or tracks


There rule is the same in technological evolution as in driving on an American highway:  keep up or get out of the way.  China is doing far more than keeping up.

Note:  that type of situation on an American road shows not one but two populations of drivers who only make driving more dangerous for everyone else.

For a general case study, we have Texas cowboys in high-powered pickup trucks since they are frequently in the Get Out of My Way division.  The specific case study was driving not far two of them who were driving in tandem with each other.  Yep, you're already there ... those geniuses crashed the trucks into each other.  As I say, there are two populations you don't need on the road and that class of unqualified gofaster is one of them while the ones too weak-kneed for the speed are another exceptional reason for dangerous roads.

Ed:  the roads are for everyone!

Incorrectimundo since the roads are for everyone qualified to drive on them and the evidence is abundantly obvious that many people are not since the qualification required for a drivers license is just a bad and deadly joke.