Govt Calls For Bids For Elevated ART In JB

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced that the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) will soon be initiating the process of soliciting proposals for a new transit system.

This system is intended to alleviate and manage the anticipated increase in traffic flow that will result from the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) once it becomes operational.
The Minister further elaborated that the decision to adopt a public-private partnership model for this project was finalized in December by the Cabinet. This decision was made in response to a proposal put forth by Johor government, which had suggested the implementation of an autonomous rapid transit (ART) system.

“An elevated ART is more flexible as the lanes could be utilised by both rail and bus,” he says as quoted by Malay Mail.
The RTS Link, which is projected to commence its services by the end of 2026, is expected to significantly impact cross-border traffic between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
In April 2024, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi proposed an elevated ART as a solution to potential traffic congestion following the RTS launch. He stated that the proposal had gained the approval from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.