The trackless Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system, designed and manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute, has performed well under hot conditions in Doha, capital of Qatar, where testing began last Wednesday.
The system uses onboard sensors to run the train on virtual rail tracks. Since there is no need to lay real tracks, the construction time and cost are much lower than for other rail transit schemes.
Located in the Persian Gulf, Qatar’s hottest months are between July and September, with an average of 45 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 60 degrees. The country’s transport ministry will select international tenders to upgrade Doha’s transport capacity before its hosts the soccer World Cup finals in 2022.
CRRC’s virtual rail transit system will be tested for its power, flexibility, air-conditioning and battery performance in high temperatures and humidity.
The system has been running in Zhuzhou in Hunan province, Yongxiu in Jiangxi province and Yibin in Sichuan province since it was unveiled in June 2017. More than 100 cities worldwide have looked at the system and discussed cooperation.