JOHOR BARU: Bids will be called for the elevated Automated Rapid Transit (elevated ART) project to disperse traffic in the city in view of an expected increase in congestion with next year’s completion of a Johor Baru-Singapore link.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the elevated ART was the preferred option over a Light Rail Transit (LRT), which would take longer to construct.
“The elevated ART concept and facilities are easier and faster to implement compared with the LRT, which could take five to seven years to complete at the earliest. It is also more flexible as its tracks can be utilised by both rail and bus as opposed to the LRT,” he said when asked about the matter at the signing ceremony of the RM2.6bil Bukit Chagar integrated mixed-use development project here yesterday.
The elevated ART was proposed by the state government last year to disperse traffic in the city centre as the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link), which connects Johor Baru and Singapore, is set to bring in huge numbers of people once it is completed.
Loke said his ministry presented the proposal for an elevated ART to the Cabinet about two months ago.
The Cabinet then decided that a request for proposal (RFP) would be called by the Private Public Partnership Unit soon.
“This is following the Johor government’s proposal and it is needed in the state to help disperse traffic,” he said, adding that he had also conveyed the message to Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who had proposed for an elevated ART in April last year.
On the ground: Loke (back row, fourth from left) witnessing the exchange of documents between MRT Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim (front row, right) and Sunway Property CEO Chong Sau Min at the signing ceremony of the Bukit Chagar project between Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd and Sunway Integrated Properties Sdn Bhd. — Bernama
On the RTS Link, Loke said a major part of the rail infrastructure had been completed at the Malaysian side as of Jan 31.
In addition, he said access had been given to RTS Operations Pte Ltd as the operating company (Opco) starting Sept 30 last year to begin the installation of rail systems.
“The Opco has since started main works such as track work, energy supply and distribution, telecommunications, signalling, platform screen doors as well as fare collection and autogate systems.
“Other ongoing works such as mechanical and electrical works and architectural works at the Wadi Hana depot and Bukit Chagar station are also ongoing,” he said, adding that the RTS Link is slated for completion on Dec 31 next year.
Earlier at the event, Loke said the Bukit Chagar integrated project, jointly developed by MRT Corporation and Sunway Group, would be located adjacent to the upcoming Bukit Chagar RTS Link station and newly built immigration, customs and quarantine complex.
He said the development, which spans 1.71ha, is set to redefine urban connectivity and lifestyle by integrating multiple key components such as a multi-storey car park, residential, retail mall, health and education facilities.
“The landmark, with its shopping mall, can help with traffic dispersal, which is a main concern once the RTS Link is up and running.
“During peak hours, people will be arriving in (Johor Baru) in large volumes,” he said.
The construction of the Bukit Chagar integrated mixed-use development is scheduled to commence in March 2025, with the first phase of the multi-storey park and ride facility featuring an estimated 850 parking bays and 1,015 motorcycle spots targeted for opening by Nov 30 next year.
The whole project is estimated to take up to eight years, with completion projected in the first quarter of 2033.
