By Amanda L
KUCHING, May 18: The pilot operation of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) is set to begin in Q4 2026, running between Rembus Depot in Samarahan and Northbank in Stutong.
Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the pilot route will allow the public to experience the ART system ahead of full commercial operations scheduled for 2027.
“The trial phase will also function as an operational testing period to assess technical performance, service reliability and system readiness with improvements to be made before full commissioning.
“The ART pilot is part of broader adjustments under KUTS Phase 1, which includes refinements to line alignments and supporting infrastructure following technical and budgetary reviews,” he said.
He said this during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
The minister also confirmed that tender documents for the Green Line package are being finalised for advertisement in the second quarter of 2026, with construction targeted to begin in the fourth quarter of the same year.
“Under the revised scope, the Green Line will include an ART lane from Pending to Yayasan Sarawak while hydrogen-powered feeder buses will operate between Yayasan Sarawak and Damai Central to complement the network
“The Red Line alignment along Jalan Tun Razak to Pending has been redesigned as a fully elevated structure to improve efficiency and long-term reliability,” he noted.
As of April 30, overall physical progress of KUTS Phase 1 stands at 38.2 per cent compared to a planned 44.8 per cent, with delays attributed to contractor performance issues, redesign works and complex underground utility relocation.
He said the incorporation of the Rembus Hydrogen Production Plant under the KUTS scope will also support in-house hydrogen production by Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, strengthening fuel supply for the system.
He added that final acceptance inspections of ART units have been completed successfully, with four ART units and 10 hydrogen feeder buses expected to be delivered this year to support pilot operations. — DayakDaily
