ART (Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit) is an urban public transport technology that combines characteristics of light rail transit (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT).

Instead of running on conventional steel rails, ART vehicles operate on rubber tyres along a defined road-based corridor. Guidance technologies such as onboard sensors, cameras and electronic control systems can be used to follow a virtual or marked route.

The concept was introduced by CRRC Zhuzhou Institute in China as an alternative approach to medium-capacity urban transit. ART vehicles are typically articulated, allowing several passenger modules to operate as a single vehicle.

Because conventional railway tracks are not required, ART can potentially reduce the amount of dedicated rail infrastructure needed compared with a traditional tram or light-rail system. However, ART still requires appropriate road infrastructure, stations or stops, charging or power facilities, traffic management and operational control.
Key Characteristics
Rubber-tyred articulated vehicle
Operates without conventional steel railway tracks
Uses electronic/sensor-based guidance
Can follow a designated or virtually defined route
Designed for medium-capacity urban passenger transport
Can use dedicated or segregated corridors
Electrically powered implementations are available
Combines characteristics associated with buses and light rail

Simple Explanation

Think of ART as a long articulated electric transit vehicle that can provide a tram-like service without requiring conventional rails to be installed in the road.

IEC 62290 (Urban Guided Transport Management and Command/Control Systems), relevant national road-vehicle and electric-vehicle standards, local public transport regulations, accessibility standards, and CRRC technical documentation for Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) systems.