Signal #3: Autonomous Bus-Light Rail Hybrid Could be the Future of Scalable Mass Transit
The Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system is a new type of vehicle that blends elements of both buses and light-rail trains. This autonomous vehicle runs on the road like a bus but follows a set path like a light-rail train. However, instead of needing expensive rail, the ART follows lines painted on the road.
The implication of the system is that mass transit can be delivered at a much lower cost and lower the time it takes to deploy a new line. The cars in the ART system are also modular and can be added or removed easily, creating flexibility in the system when there are changes in demand or mobility patterns.
Given the promise of ART to be a scalable, cost effective way to deliver mass transit, planners in cities with limited or non-existent light-rail networks should consider pilot projects to test the new technology.
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