By Christine T
KUCHING, Oct 19: Kuching’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is targeted to begin pilot operations by the end of this year, even as the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Phase 1 project remains four percentage points behind schedule, with physical progress at 49 per cent against the planned 53 per cent as of September 2026.
Minister for Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the pilot operations would take place along the Blue Line Phase 1 alignment from Rembus to Northbank, allowing contractors and operators to assess the system’s performance, safety, and operational readiness before commercial services begin.
“The first two ART units have arrived in Kuching, with another two expected by the end of this year,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
During the pilot phase, the project will address any shortcomings identified before it proceeds to commercial operations.
The KUTS project, which commenced in November 2022 with the Rembus Depot as its first component, is designed to provide Kuching with an integrated public transport network comprising the Blue, Red, and Green lines, supported by the Rembus Hydrogen Plant.
“Once completed, KUTS will provide an integrated public transport network for Kuching. The system will provide a more sustainable transport alternative, ease traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and support the objectives of the Sarawak Integrated Transport Master Plan,” he said.
Lee said construction of the Blue and Red lines was progressing, while work on the Green Line is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2027. — DayakDaily
