Chongqing- The first driverless SkyShuttle (Yunba) of its kind worldwide was officially unveiled on the morning of April 16th, 2021, in Bishan, Chongqing.

The Chongqing SkyShuttle Demonstration Line project received a total investment of 1.8 billion yuan and will operate between the Bishan High-Speed Railway Station and Bishan Metro Line 1. The total length of the mainline is 15.4 km, with 15 elevated stations along the route.

Representatives of industry and district government attend the launch ceremony for the Bishan SkyShuttle. (Photograph/ James Alexander)

Skyshuttle has the advantages of a small turning radius (Minimum 15 meters), strong climbing ability (Up to 12%), low noise, little vibration, and a high rating for safety. It can transport 6000-10000 people per hour and operate at a maximum running 80 km/h.

BYD Group spent seven years and 10 billion yuan on building a three-dimensional intelligent transportation system using 100% independent intellectual property rights and zero occupation of public roads. This new addition to public transport in Bishan fills the local void in medium and small volume rail transport and enjoys the qualities of intelligence, environmental friendliness, and economy.

The Chongqing SkyShuttle was officially unveiled with great fanfare in Bishan on April 16th, 2021 (Photograph/ James Alexander)

This new means of transport will provide an effective supplement to the urban public network in Chongqing, as it expands capacity into the outer reaches of the urban area, provides solutions to traffic congestion, and further improves the quality of life.

Compared with the traditional modes of light rail and subway lines, SkyShuttle has the advantages of low time and cost during the construction process and blends harmoniously into the surrounding environment. It can provide passengers with a more intelligent, comfortable, and convenient travel experience as an upgrade to urban transportation.

Chongqing SkyShuttle will carry up to 10,000 passengers an hour between the Bishan High-Speed Rail Station and Bishan Metro Line 1, with a total of 15 stations on the route. (Photograph/ James Alexander)

The Bishan SkyShuttle Demonstration Line is equipped with a fully automatic driverless system to achieve the highest level of autonomous operation worldwide. Facial recognition allows passengers to enter the station without traditional procedures, making for an intelligent, convenient, and efficient travel experience.

In the next step, major strategic opportunities are to be seized in the Chengdu Chongqing Economic Circle and Metropolitan Area construction. The banner of Western (Chongqing) Science City will strongly be promoted, supporting facilities will be improved, and the development of Bishan will be enhanced through innovative thinking.