5 Facts about Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT)

Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) under Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) is a project under Public Transport Master Plan for Iskandar Malaysia through Iskandar Malaysia Transportation Blueprint 201-2030 and now is under the phase of pilot testing programme to launch on 8th April 2021 by Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohamad.

Here are the 5 facts that every Iskandarian should know:

Green Technology Buses

The buses involved in the pilot testing programme are using new green technology such as electric and biodiesel which may be potentially used for the IMBRT service.

The Pilot Testing to Run for 3 Months

IMBRT Director, Rudyanto Azhar said the pilot testing programme will be running for 3 months to determine roadworthiness as well as feasibility for use on the feeder, direct and trunk routes from 8th April to 8th July 2021 except for weekends and public holidays.

Route for the Pilot Test

The programme will be held on an approximately 4KM stretch of Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar, from Anjung to Horizon Hills.

IMBRT Has 9 Participating Bus Suppliers Worldwide

A Variety of electric and biodiesel buses from various companies from Sweden, China, South Korea and locals with different offerings would be participating in the programme, with 5 companies in the first 2 weeks and 4 others later in a cycle.

Aims to be Fully Operational by 2023

Tender and construction is expected to start this year and to start operating by 2023. IMBRT aims to widen public transportation coverage from 39% to 90% in Iskandar Malaysia. Over 2,043KM Total network coverage was expected with 3 main lines – Iskandar Puteri, Skudai and Tebrau comprising 44 direct routes and 55 Feeder routes.

Rudyanto also said the RM1Billion IMBRT project is expecting to create and sustain jobs with better connectivity statewide.