ISKANDAR PUTERI: An Elevated Automated Transit Flow System (ART) to ease congestion in Johor Baru city centre will be implemented in the near future, upon the approval of the Federal Government.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government proposal for the Elevated ART project was presented to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who were in favour of its implementation.
Onn Hafiz said the proposal was now with the federal government for approval.
An Elevated ART is a public transport system that operates on elevated tracks, similar to a monorail or elevated railway.
Automated vehicles will run on tracks, guided by a system of sensors to ensure precise movement and safety.
"The Johor government is concerned about the congestion in JB city centre.
"We forecast, upon the Rapid Transit System (RTS) completion in 2026, some 10,000 inbound and outbound commuters will be travelling in an hour…this will cause massive congestion.
"The congestion issue in the state needs to be studied immediately and solution must be found prior to RTS completion…proactive measures to address congestion need to be taken now," he said, today.
Onn Hafiz said the congestion issue in Johor had been brought to the Federal Government's attention.
Officials from Johor are part of the cabinet committee tasked with solving congestion issues nationwide.
The cabinet committee is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Onn Hafiz said it was critical to address congestion on major roads leading to the city, namely Jalan Skudai, the Perling and Pasir Gudang interchanges, and border checkpoints.
Earlier, Onn Hafiz launched Handal Indah Sdn Bhd's cross-border electric public buses, at the Mall of Medini, here.
Lim Han Weng, the founder of Johor-based transport provider Handal Indah, said RM80 million was invested to purchase 60 electric buses and equip depots in the state with supercharging stations.
Their quest to support sustainable public transport, gained an entry in the Malaysia Book of Records, as the 'First Bus Operator to Run Cross-Boader Electric Bus Services in Malaysia'.
On the electric buses, Onn Hafiz said Singapore would phase fuel-run public buses by 2040.
He said Johor wanted to emulate the republic's effort.
"Besides Handal Indah, Johor Public Transport Corporation (PAJ) is also looking into using electric vehicles for public transportation.
"We hope to get more EV vehicles on the road in stages, but the use of only EV vehicles, will require Federal Government approval," he said.