Johor State Govt Mulls ART System Alongside RTS Link

The Johor state government is keen to implement an Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system in Johor Bahru. According to the state executive councillor (EXCO) Lee Ting Han, this new ART system will run alongside the new Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) to help reduce traffic congestion in the state capital.

However, Lee stated that the idea for an elevated ART system, which is set to go live in Sarawak, will first need to be evaluated by the Johor executive council during its weekly meeting before being tabled to the federal government.

The urgency for improved transportation solutions in Johor is increasing, particularly when the RTS Link that connects Johor with Singapore begins operation.

With its construction going on at a rapid pace, the upcoming RTS link is expected to handle 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction hence potentially causing severe congestion in the city centre. The elevated ART system would help manage and distribute the influx of daily commuters effectively to better manage these congestion.

Lee also detailed that the proposed ART routes would align with the existing Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) project corridors. On its own, the IMBRT system, which  includes dedicated busways that connect key locations around the JB area, could face competition from other road users, possibly affecting its success.

By proposing an elevated ART along these alignments, the state aims to partially utilise the lands that have already been acquired, facilitating a quicker commencement of construction once federal approval is secured.

Earlier this year, Transport Minister Anthony Loke indicated that the ministry would review Johor Bahru's need for an integrated public transport system to tackle its central congestion issues.

Source: MalayMail