2023 News of Rail-Less System
2023-12-01
1. Urban Transportation: Boom of Rail-Less ART & Hydrogen Energy Virtual Track
1. World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Rail-Less System Launched in Sarawak, Malaysia (Aug–Nov 2023)
In August 2023, Sarawak, Malaysia launched the trial operation of the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell rail-less ART system with rubber tires and dedicated lanes, manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou Institute.
From September to November, the project completed a 2-month trial and proof-of-concept (POC) on a 3km dedicated corridor in Kuching.
This rail-less system will serve as the core of Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), marking a breakthrough in commercial hydrogen rail-less transit.
2. Large-Scale Deployment of China’s Virtual Rail ART
- Northwest China’s First ART Line Opened (Mar 21, 2023)
- Xixian ART Demonstration Line in Xi’an officially started operation. The 3.5km route uses virtual track recognition and Beidou positioning without physical rails, supporting seamless transfer with Metro Line 5.
- China’s Longest ART Line Put into Operation (Jun 2023)
- Yibin ART Line T4 opened with a total length of 46.69km. By June 2023, CRRC ART had been operated in 5 Chinese cities, with over 40 lines planned (total length >900km), and exported to the UAE and Malaysia.
3. Fully Automated Rail-Less Monorail in Bangkok (Nov–Dec 2023)
On November 21, 2023, Alstom’s fully automated driverless Pink Line monorail began free trial runs in Bangkok.
The 34.5km line with 30 stations officially launched on December 31, greatly easing congestion in northern Bangkok.
2. Technological Breakthroughs: Virtual Track & Intelligent Driving
In December 2023, a new generation of super virtual rail train made its global debut at the China International Rail Transit Exhibition.
Supported by image recognition and Beidou positioning, the train achieves driverless operation with manned monitoring.
It requires no physical tracks or overhead lines, and features an all-wheel steering system with a minimum turning radius of 15 meters.
3. Multi-Scene Applications of Rail-Less Technology
1. Theme Parks: First Rail-Less Ride Approved in Mainland China (Nov 2023)
On November 21, 2023, Disney’s Zootopia: Hot Pursuit rail-less ride system obtained its large amusement facility use permit, becoming the first approved rail-less amusement system in mainland China.
It officially opened in December 2023.
2. Industrial Logistics: Rail-Less AGV & Handling Equipment
In 2023, China’s rail-less intelligent handling equipment market exceeded 20 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 18%.
Rail-less electric flatcars and AGVs were widely used in wind power, metallurgy and ports, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.
3. Mining Safety: Rail-Less Rubber-Tyred Vehicle Protection (Jul 2023)
In July 2023, a new over-speed protection system for mining rail-less rubber-tyred vehicles passed safety certification.
The technology effectively reduces safety risks in underground mine transportation.
4. High-Speed Rail-Less Stations
In 2023, China’s Ministry of Transport supported the expansion of high-speed rail-less stations at bus terminals.
Through shuttle buses, these stations realize seamless connection with high-speed rail stations, improving public transport coverage in remote areas.
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