Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) is an innovative low-fare, high-speed rail system for city passenger transportation. The system will operate using a computer network and the main control unit is located inside the vehicle. The system provides real-time information regarding the traffic, enabling the controllers to monitor and manage the routes. The future system of the railways may have advanced signal processing, which would enable the passengers to travel faster. It will also have integrated voice recognition software for automatic voice ticketing and control. China is the leading country as far as the adoption of autonomous rail rapid transit is concerned. A significant amount of investment has been made to implement such train facilities.
Autonomous rail rapid transit has gained significant popularity over the years due to various factors. One of them is increased safety and service benefits for onboard passengers. These types of rail transit systems are equipped with a collision warning system that aids the driver in keeping a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. Even if the proximity reduces below a given level, it alerts the driver by a warning sign. Recently, in May 2018, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd., a Chinese railcar maker, started a trial operation for the first trackless autonomous rail rapid transit in China. Such factors can augment growth of the
autonomous rail rapid transit market.
The entire system is expected to run on electric power and will require little maintenance. The future generation of rail cars will reduce the environmental impact, as they do not emit any exhaust gases. They also produce zero emissions and therefore, do not contribute to global warming. They will also have fewer defects and will be equipped with safety features, such as airbags, seat belts, and turn signals. Even though ART is an efficient option for public transport, there are several challenges that might limit its adoption. One of the key challenges is the lack of proper railway infrastructure combined with the longer time required by autonomous trains. Besides, these systems cannot carry outdoor operation, which can impede growth of the autonomous rail rapid transit market in the near future.
The system will operate using a computer network and the main control unit is located inside the vehicle. The system provides real-time information regarding the traffic, enabling the controllers to monitor and manage the routes. Governments of many countries have been focused on strengthening their public transport facilities. This also includes increased budget allocations for the development of railways. With growing urbanization and rising population, boosting public transportation has become imperative, which can potentially accelerate growth of the autonomous rail rapid transit market.
Recently, in May 2020, Alstom SA, a French rolling stock manufacturer, entered into an agreement with SMART Trains for a driverless train control system.
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