Transport Ministry waiting for proof-of-concept report on Kuching's autonomous rapid transit

PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry is waiting for the proof-of-concept report to be completed on Kuching's autonomous rapid transit (ART), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said Kuching may soon get its own ART that runs on hydrogen fuel cells on a virtual track, a world first.

"It is designed to have a total length of nearly 70km (69.9km) with 31 stations and feeder buses to comprehensively serve Kuching's public transport needs.

"Each ART set can carry about 300 passengers, running on three lines," said, Dr Wee in a Facebook post on Friday (Aug 12).

He had received a briefing from Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd on the upcoming Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.

The company is a subsidiary wholly owned by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

"The Ministry will support and facilitate this initiative and we look forward to a progressive update on this exciting new service which can meet Kuching's public transport needs while being in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for green urban transport," Dr Wee said.

Last month, it was reported that the Sarawak state government had approved Sarawak Metro's proposal for Phase One of the KUTS project to include a new line towards the Santubong peninsula.

The proposed alignment was made in consideration of future development plans for Santubong and the area's potential for growth in tourism and leisure.