Trackless ART system pitched for Kai Tak mass transit

CRRC’s trackless system operates on 10 Mainland Chinese routes and in Abu Dhabi.

Smart & Green Transit Holdings has submitted a tender for Hong Kong’s Smart and Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS) in Kai Tak.

The Transport International Holdings (TIH)-Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) joint venture is proposing the Autonomous-rail Rapid Transit (ART) system developed by CRRC Corporation for the project.

TIH said the trackless system operates without physical tracks or overhead cables and has full automation capabilities. It provides zero-emission rides and can be deployed faster and maintained at a lower cost than traditional rail systems.

Its trackless design also provides greater flexibility for future route extensions and network expansion.

CRRC’s ART operates on 10 routes in Mainland Chinese cities including Zhuzhou, Yibin, Suzhou, Xi’an, and Harbin. The routes have a combined length of more than 140 kilometres and have recorded 25 million kilometres of operating mileage.

The routes have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 24,500 tonnes, TIH said.

ART operates in Abu Dhabi, whilst projects in Sarawak, Malaysia, and Daejeon, South Korea, have entered construction and testing phases, respectively. The system has carried 45 million passenger trips worldwide, according to TIH.

The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited, a wholly owned TIH subsidiary, is Hong Kong’s largest franchised bus operator and carries more than 2.5 million passenger trips a day.

TIH said its experience in mass transit and smart mobility would support the proposed Kai Tak system.

SHKP said the expansion of Hong Kong’s New Development Areas is expected to increase demand for innovative and cost-effective mass transit systems. It said its experience in property development would support the project team.