Chinese firm CRRC has developed a smart train that does not need tracks but uses magnetic and optical technology to follow routes on existing roads.

At last month’s International Metro Transit Exhibition & Forum in Nanjing, CRRC unveiled the smart fast urban rail transit system.

The 30-metre-long train consists of three structurally independent modules, and has a maximum capacity of 280 passengers, a maximum running speed of 70km/hr, and energy consumption of 3 to 4kW-hrs per kilometre.

Unlike traditional urban rail transit systems such as subway trains and trams, the urban smart fast rail train uses rubber wheels instead of steel ones. By laying guide lines or embedding magnetic nails on the existing roads, the optical recognition or permanent magnet induction technology is used to perceive and predict the running trajectory of the train for tracking navigation.

There is thus no need to lay physical tracks, and existing urban road resources can be used more effectively, so it provides a green, smart option for urban transportation.

CRRC (www.crrcgc.cc) is a Chinese state-owned rolling stock manufacturer.