Faizal: Johor ART Necessary To Minimise RTS Station Congestion

Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications state executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh disclosed that the estimated cost for implementing Light Rail Transit (LRT) infrastructure in Johor stands at RM16.7 billion. This contrasts greatly against the RM7 billion quoted to develop the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) infrastructure.

This valuation stemmed from a meticulous analysis comparing the two systems, prompted by presentations from two consortiums advocating for their respective LRT and ART public transport proposals.

Mohamad Fazli highlighted specific requirements for the LRT system, including the need for a new design for its elevated segments and approval for the railway scheme. Moreover, he noted the infrastructure demands for depots and LRT stations, which entail acquiring land for the Desa Jaya depot and five acres for track switching/shunting.

Mohamad Fazli also went on to mention that a special committee convened twice since Dec 2023 to assess analysis outcomes and recommendations, including presentations from consortia proposing LRT and ART systems.

This committee consists of representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Transport (MOT), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS), and Johor State Economic Planning Division (BPENJ).

He also went on to emphasise that the government’s priority is to have a transport system completed by the end of Dec 2026, coinciding with the commencement of Rapid Transit System (RTS) operations linking Bukit Chagar to Woodlands, Singapore.

Additionally, he also warned of potential congestion at Bukit Chagar RTS Station if the ART/LRT passenger dispersal service isn't operational in sync with RTS operations as the previous Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system had been cancelled by the federal government.

Source: BERNAMA