Monique Handa Shafira, Jakarta – The Transportation Ministry is set to trial a new urban transport system called the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) in the future national capital, Nusantara, East Kalimantan, on Saturday, an official said on Tuesday.

Despite its name, the ART doesn't require rails to operate.

Nusantara will welcome many prominent guests, including lawmakers and cabinet members, who will participate in the Independence Day ceremony on August 17, led by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

"We plan to conduct dynamic testing of the ART over a short distance on August 10," said Risal Wasal, the ministry's director general of railway affairs.

The trial will last for two months before the ART is introduced to the public starting on October 10.

"The ART will have several stops along the main road of the inner government area in Nusantara and will be integrated with the bus rapid transit system," Risal said.

Developed by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), the ART operates using optical sensors and can carry up to 100 passengers per carriage.

In the initial phase, the ART will operate on a special lane of around six kilometers.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/government-to-trial-autonomous-transport-system-in-nusantar