Spain’s disused railways could soon carry passengers again, not through costly new trains, but with solar-powered, autonomous mini-trains designed for rural mobility. The RuRail project aims to repurpose hundreds of kilometres of unused tracks, offering low-emission, on-demand transport that reconnects isolated communities with schools, healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities.
Backed by AI navigation and real-time safety sensors, the initiative embodies core smart city principles: reusing existing assets, reducing emissions, and creating flexible infrastructure. If trials succeed, Spain may emerge as a European leader in sustainable mobility, proving that yesterday’s abandoned tracks can drive tomorrow’s green transport revolution.