Big news from Johor – Malaysia’s next-gen transport dream isn’t on hold after all. Despite rumours swirling about possible delays, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has set the record straight: the state’s long-awaited autonomous rapid transit (ART) system is still on track. But here’s where things get interesting – some of the private proposals didn’t quite make the cut.
Speaking to reporters, Loke revealed that the ART project is currently at the Request-for-Proposal (RFP) evaluation stage. The Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) is fine-tuning the submissions after several didn’t meet expectations. “We’re working closely with UKAS to speed up the awarding process,” he added, stressing that efficiency remains a top priority.
The ART network is meant to ease traffic to and from Bukit Chagar, the Malaysian terminal for the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link – scheduled to begin operations by 2027. But there’s growing concern that traffic congestion could surge if supporting infrastructure doesn’t catch up in time. As Loke cautioned, “There’s still no comprehensive solution in place yet for the expected traffic increase once the RTS starts running.”
Here’s where the story takes a twist. Johor’s Regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, recently voiced frustration over funding issues. He pointed out that while the federal government claims there’s not enough funding to maintain a fully elevated ART system, Penang has managed to push forward with its costlier LRT project. That raises a bold question – is Johor being treated differently when it comes to funding priorities?
Johor’s state public works, transport, infrastructure, and communications chairman, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, has joined the call for urgency. He urged the federal government to fast-track the project – ideally by early next year – highlighting that ART will be vital in supporting public transport and maintaining smoother traffic flow before the RTS link goes fully operational.
For those unfamiliar, the ART – sometimes called a “trackless tram” – looks like a bus but operates semi-autonomously using sensors and LIDAR technology that follow virtual tracks marked on the road. The “elevated” version refers to giving it a dedicated lane so it doesn’t have to compete with regular traffic. Trials have already been conducted in Putrajaya, while Sarawak has gone further with its hydrogen-powered ART system currently under construction in Kuching.
And this is the part most people miss: ART could become Malaysia’s most practical stepping stone toward modern, sustainable mass transit – far cheaper than traditional rail, yet advanced enough to reduce congestion and emissions. But will it? That depends on whether political will and funding align in time.
What do you think – should Johor push for an elevated system despite the costs, or is a more modest version good enough for now? Share your thoughts below; this debate is far from over.