Beijing-based company Transport Explore Bus has revealed a scale model of a road-straddling ‘Land Airbus’ that allows traffic to pass underneath it, ahead of a full-scale trial commencing later this year.

First presented as the ‘3D Express Coach’ concept by Chinese company Shenzen Hashi Future Parking Equipment Co, the latest iteration - the Land Airbus - has now been shown as a scale model and an animated concept by another Chinese company, Transit Explore Bus, at this year’s High-tech Expo in Beijing.

The model version of the futuristic train-like ‘bus’ sits above two lanes of traffic, allowing other vehicles on the road to pass underneath it. In addition to the scale model, the company is preparing a full-size version for a trial on Chinese roads around August this year.

Riding on rails that sit on each side of the road, the Transit Explore Bus’ concept can carry around 1400 people - around the same as 40 conventional buses - and can travel at speeds of around 37 miles per hour (60km/h).

Boasting such a large capacity is hoped to encourage more people to take public transport, reducing congestion and vehicle emissions - a growing problem in China.