By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 1: Sarawak plans to integrate AirBorneo with the Kuching Urban Transportation System’s (KUTS) Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), allowing visitors to travel seamlessly from the airport to their hotels at fares expected to be cheaper than LRT services.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the proposed package would allow travellers to purchase a single ticket covering both their AirBorneo flight and ART journey from Kuching International Airport to destinations near ART stations, where many hotels are expected to be located.
“If they buy a ticket from Kuala Lumpur, they will pay RM375 plus the ART fare to their destination, right up to the hotel. Most hotels will be near our stations,” he told reporters after officiating the Station Naming Rights Agreement signing ceremony between Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd and Ibraco Berhad for the SM07 ART station at The NorthBank today.
Abang Johari said the integrated package is aimed at making travel around Kuching more convenient while enhancing passenger safety and ensuring visitors receive value for money.
He said ART vehicles would be equipped with onboard cameras linked to a control centre in Rembus, allowing operators to monitor passenger safety throughout the journey.
“It is for the convenience of tourists. Secondly, it is about safety because the ART will have cameras monitored by the control centre. Thirdly, there will be no cheating. You get value for your money,” he said.
Asked about ART fares, Abang Johari said they would be highly subsidised by the Sarawak government to keep public transport affordable, noting that governments around the world subsidise their public transport systems.
Although he did not disclose the proposed fare, he said it would be benchmarked against similar systems elsewhere and aimed to be lower than LRT fares.
“I will try to make it cheaper than the LRT,” he said.
Abang Johari said the proposal is being considered by AirBorneo and Sarawak Metro as part of the State’s efforts to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion and encourage greater use of public transport.
He said the integrated transport system would also complement Sarawak’s broader vision of transforming Kuching into a modern, tourist-friendly city supported by a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly public transport network. — DayakDaily
