Johor govt now backs cheaper ART instead of RM16bil LRT

 

A prototype of an ART system undergoing trials in Kuching, Sarawak, last August. The driverless tram-like vehicles are expected to begin operations in 2026.  (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Johor government now hopes to build an autonomous rapid transit (ART) system in Johor Bahru instead of the initial proposal of a light rail transit (LRT) line.

State executive councillor Fazli Salleh said the LRT would cost an estimated RM16.7 billion, while the ART would cost only RM7 billion.

He said these valuations were based on an analysis comparing the two transport systems, after a presentation by two consortia proposing the projects, according to Bernama.

The state government hopes the public transport system will be ready by the end of 2026, coinciding with the start of the rapid transit system (RTS) from Johor Bahru to Singapore.

“Congestion will occur at the Bukit Chagar RTS station if the passenger dispersal service (whether the ART or LRT) is not completed in line with the start of operations.

“Thus, the state government supports the proposed construction of an elevated ART to be developed in Johor Bahru to replace the bus rapid transit system that was cancelled by the federal government earlier,” he said.

Fazli said the LRT was more costly due to a need for a new design for elevated sections, while the state government would also have to acquire land for depots, stations and shunting/switching tracks.

He said a special committee will meet in December, involving the economy, finance and transport ministries, the Prime Minister’s Department’s public-private partnership unit and the Johor economic planning division.

This committee already met twice to hear presentations by the two consortia on the LRT and ART systems, he added.

An ART system has been chosen by the Sarawak government for a 52km route through Kuching using driverless tram-like coaches running on rubber tyres and powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 with operations beginning the following year.

The vehicles will run at street level on dedicated trackless lanes, with each vehicle capable of carrying up to 300 passengers at speeds of up to 70 km/h.

The Sarawak ART replaces a previous proposal for a 3-line Kuching LRT. - FMT