The rail transit with significant features of many lines， large traffic， complex environment， and high system integration is regarded as the main mode of transportation for residents. Currently， Artificial Intelligence （AI） based information processing， system optimization， and control technology have brought new challenges and opportunities for rail transit technology development. Firstly， starting from the recent advancements in intelligent development of rail transit both domestically and internationally， an analysis was conducted on strategic planning and development progress of various countries worldwide in the domain of intelligent rail transit. Then， from the perspectives of intelligent signal system， intelligent operation and maintenance system， intelligent passenger service system， and intelligent monitoring system， the intelligent system for rail transit was summed up. At the same time， development needs and key technological advancements of intelligentialization of this system were outlined. Finally， the future intelligent development of rail transit was summarized and prospected.