The proposed Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) project, which aims to improve Johor Bahru’s public transport system, will be carried out using a public-private partnership (PPP) model and overseen by the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the project would not be undertaken through the Ministry of Transport’s (MOT) tender procurement process. Instead, it would be carried out under a Cabinet-approved PPP mechanism, with UKAS in charge of project evaluation and coordination.
He stated that UKAS is currently conducting a final assessment that includes technical aspects, pricing, and proposals submitted by the parties involved before issuing a letter of award.
“This project is subject to UKAS. “They are conducting a thorough evaluation before making a final decision,” he told reporters after launching the Shuttle Selatan service at Kulai KTM railway station.
Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor Menteri Besar, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, chairman of the State Public Works, Transport, and Infrastructure Committee and Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching were also in attendance.
Loke explained that the E-ART project is a trackless mode of transport that will run on a dedicated elevated guideway or viaduct, separate from road traffic.
“Unlike a conventional train, ART does not run on tracks. Instead, it runs on rubber tyres like a bus and comprises a series of articulated sections to increase passenger capacity,” he said.
He added that the approach would allow for the development of a high-capacity transit system while preserving existing traffic flow in urban areas.
Earlier, in his speech, Onn Hafiz urged the Federal Government to expedite the implementation of the E-ART project, which is one of the key solutions to alleviating traffic congestion in Johor Bahru, especially as the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link begins operations.
