On May 14, 2024, Johor government has been reported to choose Elevated Automated Rapid Transit (ART) over Light Rail Transit (LRT) as the main transportation in Johor Bahru. The ART system is an enhanced version of conventional Bus Rapid Transit system.

Fig. 1 Proposed Iskandar Rapid Transit in 2018

Current proposed automated rapid transit (ART) system consists of autonomous train-bus that running on roads, viaducts, and bridges. The autonomous train-bus will run on a virtual track based with sensors and automatically trail a designed route(s). Driver is still on the autonomous train-bus for safety reasons.

The ART system is expected to have three transportation lines with a total distance of 50km and 32 stations. Three ART lines consists of Iskandar Puteri Link (14.78km), the Tebrau line (14 km) and Skudai line (18.8km).

Fig. 2 Iskandar Rapid Transit Map

According to the report, the ART system is expected to have multi-tiered transportation routes. It is expected to have non-segregated busway, segregated busway, elevated busway and mix traffic. However, a study is undergoing, and the final proposal is expected to be submitted to federal government for approval in August 2024.

Fig. 3 Segregated Busway in the ART System

Fig. 4 Non-Segregated Busway in the ART System

Fig. 5 Elevated Busway in the ART System

Johor’s Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee explain that the Elevated ART system is a cost-effective transportation system with a project cost around RM 7 billion. The ART system can also be completed sooner compared to conventional LRT system.

The elevated ART system is projected to be fully operational together with the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link in 2027. The ART system will play a major role in dispersing the passengers at Bukit Chagar RTS station and avoiding the traffic congestion in Johor Bahru.

While some land acquisitions were completed during the previous proposal of Iskandar Rapid Transit during 2018, I expect more land acquisitions to be carried out upon federal approval. Also, some roads along transportation routes will be widen for building segregated and elevated busway.

Although the proposed ART system is a medium-capacity urban transportation system, I believe it could significantly improve the connectivity among Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri and Skudai. It is no doubt that the ART system will be a catalyst for rapid property development in Johor Bahru and Iskandar Puteri.

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