KUCHING: The first two autonomous rapid transit (ART) hydrogen vehicles for Kuching's public transport system will arrive here from China by the end of the year.
One unit, dubbed the "golden train" thanks to a bold yellow stripe on its front and sides, was pre-commissioned at CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Co Ltd's manufacturing facility in Yibin, China on Monday (Sept 9).
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin launched the pre-commissioning ceremony and also took part in the inspection and test ride of the vehicle.
ALSO READ: Sarawak to order 38 more autonomous coaches
In a statement on Tuesday (Sept 10), he said 38 ART vehicles were set to arrive in Kuching in stages starting this year.
Five will be delivered fully assembled while the rest will arrive as semi-assembled units over the next few years.
Lee said he was pleased with the progress, adding that the ART project had attracted widespread interest.
"I believe the whole world is paying attention to what we are doing in transforming the public transport system, especially our efforts in using clean energy, in this case green hydrogen," he said.
ALSO READ: Great expectations for rapid transit in Kuching
He added that efforts were being made to explore advances in hydrogen technology, especially in reducing the production costs of green hydrogen for the state's public transport needs.
The new ART vehicles have been upgraded from the prototype used for the proof-of-concept exercise last year.
They now can climb slopes of up to 10% gradient and can be used in various road environments with a maximum speed of 80kph.
The new vehicles also have a lighter weight, making them more energy-efficient.
In addition, they will include dedicated areas for luggage, wheelchairs and foldable bicycles.
The vehicles come in livery depicting Sarawak's colours of yellow, red and black.
