Pakar gesa Putrajaya teliti 3 aspek pelaksanaan e-ART di JB

Johor Bahru is set to be connected to Singapore via a high-level autonomous transit system (e-ART) in mid-February. The Johor government needs to investigate three main aspects of the e-ART implementation to tackle traffic congestion in Johor Bahru, according to MY Mobility Vision Executive Director Rahman Hussin. These aspects include passenger capacity, operating costs, long-term maintenance, and impact on existing traffic flow, particularly at intersections and during peak hours.

The government also needs to determine the expected number of passengers, particularly during peak times, and ensure vehicle capacity and service frequency can accommodate the demand. The assessment should not only consider construction costs but also infrastructure maintenance, vehicle replacement, energy usage, and technological support throughout the system's lifespan, he told FMT.

Recently, the government announced the selection of the e-ART system to address congestion in Johor Bahru, alongside temporary measures such as increasing bus and KTM Komuter services and Grab Shuttle in key areas. Rahman added that the government should also examine how the system will be integrated with existing transportation facilities and the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore rapid transit (RTS) system, which is expected to start operating in mid-February.

International experience shows that successful urban transport systems depend on passenger demand, system integration, and operational performance, not just the technology used, he added. Meanwhile, transportation economist Rosli Azad Khan said e-ART vehicles can carry nearly ten times more passengers than conventional bus stops, making it more suitable for handling high peak-hour traffic volumes.

He also noted that the multi-level system would complement the RTS service as both could accommodate large passenger loads at Bukit Chagar interchange. For the system to be more effective, it should be introduced before the RTS starts operating so that their network can be established earlier and public users can get accustomed to it, he said.