Within Malaysia, Sarawak is expected to start running an ART system line from early 2026, with the first phase spanning 27.6 kilometres.
The system has also been trialled in Putrajaya, the country’s administrative centre.
Transport experts added that the multi-tiered system mentioned by Mr Onn Hafiz refers to a hybrid network. Some parts of the system, where traffic is less crowded, will run on the ground while other parts will run on elevated structures like viaducts and bridges.
Assoc Prof Nor Aziati said: “This separation from ground traffic allows for faster speeds and avoids interference with cars and pedestrians.
“Elevated ART is more efficient for high-density areas with frequent ridership such as Johor Bahru,” Assoc Prof Nor Aziati added, while explaining that for lower-density areas such as Kulai and Nusajaya, the ART network may run on the roads.
Public Transport Users Association president Ajit Johl told CNA that the multi-tiered aspect is key to the success of the implementation of the ART due to the congestion during peak hours in southern Johor.
He added that public buses in Johor Bahru currently run on a poor frequency of every 45 minutes, and this can largely be attributed to the congestion.
“The traffic is a bit of a bottleneck in many parts of JB, especially Jalan Wong Ah Fook in downtown JB and the surrounding expressways. So this form of mass transport such as the ART, with proper frequencies and reasonable fares, could encourage many Johoreans to stop driving and switch to public transport instead,” said Mr Johl.
“If you drive it takes 45 minutes but if you use ART it will be 20 minutes hopefully. People will switch away from cars, especially with the government reportedly keen on removing fuel subsidies,” he added.
ART COULD BOOST JOHOR’S LONG-TERM GOALS AS INVESTMENT DESTINATION
Mr Johl highlighted that good connectivity and lower congestion are key factors that influence a company’s decision to invest, and with both the SEZ and SFZ on the horizon the potential implementation of the ART is timely to alleviate these concerns.
“If I’m an investor and I’m going to open a plant that requires 1,000 workers and with congestion there will be mobility issues and they might report late, this is going to be an issue. Imagine every worker reports 10 minutes late, there will be (a) productivity dip,” he said.
“The availability of a good public transport system is quite basic for any city that wants to become an international metropolis. It will be good if Johor gets this box ticked,” added Mr Johl.
Transport analyst Rosli Khan echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the ART network could be the game-changer that resolves southern Johor’s transport concerns and shows foreign investors that they mean business.
However, the managing director of MDS Consultancy told CNA that this is contingent on the fact that the ART network is seamlessly linked to the RTS station in Bukit Chagar, similar to how the Mass Rapid Transit system is linked to the RTS station on the Singapore side in Woodlands North.
