Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (e-ART) in Johor Bahru

 Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) in Johor Bahru: A Transformative Vision for Urban Mobility

Johor Bahru, a bustling economic hub in southern Malaysia, faces significant transportation challenges due to rapid urbanization, cross-border traffic with Singapore, and inadequate public transit infrastructure. To address these issues, the Johor state government has proposed an innovative solution: the Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system. This essay explores the rationale, design, economic implications, and challenges of this ambitious project, which aims to redefine urban mobility while supporting Johor’s long-term growth as a regional investment destination.

1. The Need for Elevated ART in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru’s transportation network is strained by chronic congestion, particularly in key areas like Jalan Wong Ah Fook and expressways connecting to Singapore. Existing public buses suffer from poor frequency (up to 45-minute waits) and inefficiency, discouraging residents from abandoning private vehicles 2. With the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) set to begin operations in January 2027—transporting 10,000 passengers per hour—the city risks severe bottlenecks without a complementary transit system to disperse travelers. The elevated ART emerges as a strategic response to these challenges, offering a medium-capacity transit solution that balances cost, speed, and scalability.

2. What is the Elevated ART System?

The ART is a hybrid autonomous train-bus system developed by CRRC, a Chinese rail manufacturer. It operates on rubber tires guided by sensors along virtual tracks, blending the flexibility of buses with the efficiency of rail. Johor’s version will feature a multi-tiered network:

Elevated sections in high-density zones like Johor Bahru city center to avoid ground-level traffic.

Ground-level routes in suburban areas such as Kulai and Nusajaya, where traffic is lighter.

Dedicated busways integrated with existing infrastructure, including the Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) alignment to minimize land acquisition costs.

This modular design allows the ART to achieve speeds of 30–60 km/h, slightly slower than LRT but sufficient for Johor’s current needs. A driver remains onboard for safety, though the system is largely autonomous.

3. Project Specifications and Timeline

The elevated ART will span 50 kilometers with 32 stations across three lines:

Iskandar Puteri Line: 14.78 km

Skudai Line: 18.8 km

Tebrau Line: 14 km

Key stations will connect to critical nodes like the Bukit Chagar RTS terminal, Senai International Airport, and Larkin—a densely populated commercial district. The RM7 billion project, funded through a public-private partnership (PPP), is expected to commence construction in 2025 following the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) by UKAS. Unlike LRT systems, which require 5–10 years to build, the ART’s simplified infrastructure (e.g., no heavy rail tracks) allows completion by late 2026, aligning with the RTS Link’s operational timeline.

4. Why ART Over LRT? Cost and Practicality

The shift from the initially proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) to ART was driven by cost-effectiveness and urgency. An LRT system would have cost RM16.7 billion—more than double the ART’s RM7 billion budget—due to extensive land acquisitions (e.g., depot construction in Desa Jaya) and complex regulatory approvals for railway schemes. Additionally, LRT’s elevated sections demand specialized engineering, whereas ART’s modular design allows phased implementation. For instance, Sarawak’s ART system, set to launch in 2026, demonstrated the viability of this approach in Malaysian contexts.

The ART’s lower passenger capacity (100–200 per train vs. LRT’s 200–300) is deemed adequate for Johor’s current population density, which is lower than Kuala Lumpur’s Klang Valley. Furthermore, its integration with existing road networks reduces reliance on new infrastructure, making it a pragmatic choice for a city prioritizing rapid deployment.

5. Economic and Urban Development Implications

The elevated ART is poised to catalyze Johor’s economic ambitions, particularly the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ). Improved connectivity is critical for attracting foreign investment, as companies prioritize locations with efficient logistics and worker mobility. For example, a factory employing 1,000 workers could face productivity losses if congestion delays commutes—a risk mitigated by reliable ART services.

The project also aligns with Johor’s vision to become a rail hub, complementing the RTS Link and potential High-Speed Rail (HSR) revival. Enhanced accessibility is expected to spur property development in Iskandar Puteri and Skudai, transforming these areas into thriving residential and commercial hubs.

6. Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its promise, the elevated ART faces scrutiny:

Cost Concerns: While cheaper than LRT, the RM7 billion price tag raises questions about fiscal responsibility, especially amid national efforts to reduce debt. Critics argue that expanding bus services or implementing congestion charges (e.g., Singapore-style COE) could offer cheaper alternatives.

Aesthetic Impact: Elevated structures risk cluttering urban landscapes, with detractors warning of “ugly columns” obstructing views.

Technical Viability: Autonomous systems in Johor’s chaotic traffic environment—dominated by private vehicles—may face operational challenges, including sensor reliability and passenger safety.

Transport analysts like Dr. Rosli Khan advocate for seamless integration with the RTS Link, emphasizing the need for shared stations and coordinated schedules to maximize efficiency.

7. Conclusion: A Step Toward Sustainable Urbanization

Johor’s elevated ART represents a bold reimagining of public transit, balancing innovation with pragmatism. By prioritizing cost-efficiency, scalability, and integration with regional projects like the RTS Link, the system addresses immediate congestion woes while laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth. However, its success hinges on meticulous execution—ensuring aesthetic harmony, technical reliability, and equitable access for all residents. If realized, the ART could position Johor Bahru as a model for smart urbanization in Southeast Asia, proving that mid-capacity transit systems are viable alternatives to traditional rail in rapidly developing cities.

As Transport Minister Anthony Loke noted, the ART’s flexibility and speed of implementation make it “the transportation system Johor Bahru needs”. With construction slated to begin soon, all eyes are on Johor to deliver a project that could redefine urban mobility for generations.