By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 19: The fact that Kuching’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system runs on wheels does not make it a bus, says Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
In a statement responding to Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, he dismissed criticism of the ART project as misleading and based on a weak understanding of modern public transport systems.
“Internationally, ART is recognised as a trackless rail technology, designed to provide rail-like capacity, reliability, and safety without the cost and rigidity of steel rail infrastructure.
“Simply repeating that it runs on wheels does not make it a bus, just as airport people movers and guided trams are not suddenly classified as buses,” he said.
He explained that the use of dedicated and partially elevated corridors is a matter of sound planning rather than extravagance, given Kuching’s low-density layout, limited road widths and multiple river crossings.
“Expecting a high-capacity public transport system to run freely at street level shows a poor appreciation of Kuching’s urban reality.
“Segregated corridors are essential to ensure safety, reliability and long-term scalability,” he added.
Yap also rejected comparisons with street-running Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, describing such references as outdated.
He said many cities worldwide are now upgrading or grade-separating BRT systems after they failed to cope with congestion and rising passenger demand.
On cost, Yap said Kuching’s ART costs significantly less per kilometre than Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems, including the LRT project currently being pursued in Penang under a Democratic Action Party-led (DAP) state government.
“Johor’s proposed ART is supported by Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders and also includes elevated sections, similar to Kuching’s design.
“Selectively attacking Sarawak while ignoring these facts raises serious questions about consistency and sincerity,” he pointed out.
According to Yap, Sarawak’s ART incorporates hydrogen-powered vehicles, aligning with the State’s clean energy agenda while helping to reduce long-term operating and environmental costs.
He also dismissed claims that investment in ART would deprive Sarawakians of basic services, saying the State continues to spend heavily on water infrastructure, rural roads, healthcare and education while modernising its public transport system.
“Before making sweeping accusations, DAP Sarawak would do well to study the facts, compare with their Malaya states’ decisions and understand Sarawak’s unique needs.
“Criticism without research may sound dramatic, but it does not help the public make informed judgments,” he emphasised.
On Jan 15, Yong said the ART project implemented by Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd is a bus-based public transport system running on wheels, but argued that its design and execution resemble a rail system.
She cited the use of dedicated corridors, elevated structures and segregated alignments as features more commonly associated with Light Rail Transit (LRT) or Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems, and compared the project with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems elsewhere, which she said typically emphasise at-grade operation, flexibility and lower costs.
Yong questioned the project’s value for money and transparency, claiming that spending on ART reflects misplaced priorities when basic needs such as water supply, road maintenance and public services remain unresolved. – DayakDaily
