The autonomous transit train or ART (Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit) is an electric rapid transit bus with a semi-autonomous guidance system that does not require catenary "Catenary (railway)") or rails. It has been developed by the Zhuzhou CRRC Institute and was publicly presented on June 2, 2017 in Hunan province, China.[1]​[2]​.

This system has been described by its manufacturers as a mix between a bus and a train or tram.[3] Its external appearance, composed of individual sections joined by articulated walkways, resembles a tram, but uses rubber tires and has sufficient dimensions and flexibility to move like an articulated bus.

A more recent subtype of this mode of transportation is the DRT (Digital Rail Rapid Transit), a bus that is visually similar but with a lower degree of automation. This navigation system uses magnetic markers encoded with digital information embedded beneath the pavement to function as virtual roads.[4]​[5]​.

An ART with three articulated sections measures approximately 30 meters,[6]​ can travel at a speed of 70 km/h and carry about 300 passengers, while a vehicle with 5 articulated segments would have a maximum capacity of 500 passengers.[1]​[7]​ A 4-section model was introduced in 2021 that can carry up to 400 passengers.[8]​ Two vehicles can follow each other very closely without being mechanically connected, similar to a multi-unit train control.[9]​ The entire vehicle has a low-floor design thanks to a space frame with bolted panels to support the weight of passengers. It is built as a two-way vehicle, with driver's cabs at each end allowing it to travel at full speed in either direction.

The vehicle is equipped with various optical and other types of sensors that allow the vehicle to automatically follow a virtual route with pavement markings.[1]​ It also has a steering wheel that allows the driver to change the route manually.[10]​[9]​ A lane departure warning system helps keep the vehicle on the correct path and automatically warns the driver if it strays from its correct position. It also has a collision warning system installed, which allows the driver to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Electronic rearview mirrors work with remotely adjustable cameras and provide a clearer view than conventional mirrors, including an automatic dimming device to reduce glare.[6]​.