‘Integrate JB public transport system’

THE proposed elevated autonomous rapid transit (ART) system in Johor Baru should be integrated with existing transportation hubs in the city to better serve the needs of commuters, says an elected representative.

Stulang assemblyman Andrew Chen Kah Eng said the government could also introduce new routes to reduce congestion on main roads in Johor Baru city.

“This move could ensure that the ART system is fully utilised.

“We could also improve our bus service by introducing other routes outside the main roads to cater to residential and commercial areas.

“It will complete the public transportation network that we currently have,” he told StarMetro.

Chen said this when asked to comment on the Johor government’s plan to develop an elevated ART to address traffic congestion in the city.

The ART functions similarly to a driverless bus, operating on a designated path akin to a train track, yet without rails, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional rail systems.

Chen said a complete public transportation network would ensure smoother connectivity and encourage ridership.

“People would be able to go to their destinations without any hiccups.

“The introduction of additional stations or transportation hubs, to disperse traffic within a 5km to 8km radius, is also welcome.

“All of this should be planned as part of the traffic dispersal system within Greater Johor Baru,” he said, adding that this would create a more holistic and complete ART system.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had, on April 16, announced that the proposal for an elevated ART system had been handed over to the Federal Government and they will fine-tune it.

“We need multiple transportation options.

“We are also working with bus service provider Handal Indah to ensure a seamless connection for Johoreans,” Onn Hafiz said during a press conference after the inaugural ceremony of the first cross-border electric bus.

Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad, when contacted, said the introduction of electric vehicles under the ART system was in line with the low-carbon initiative in the Greater Johor Baru agenda.

He said it was not just non-commercial vehicles going electric.

“There are electric buses and taxis too.

“This is good news for everyone because it means less pollution from big vehicles.

“Cutting down on pollution helps to slow down climate change,” Pandak said, adding that going electric was a step towards a cleaner, healthier future.