By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 15: The recent suspension of the hydrogen-powered tram line in Foshan, China, does not directly impact the autonomous rapid transit (ART) project in Sarawak, with the first two ART vehicles scheduled to arrive in Sarawak by the first quarter of 2025 for test runs.
Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil explained that the suspension in China was primarily due to low ridership and demand, driven by competition from other modes of public transportation such as high-speed rail, metro systems, buses, and e-hailing services.
“The absence of ‘first mile and last mile’ connectivity, like feeder buses or other services to transport passengers to and from the nearest stations, may have also contributed to the suspension,” he said in response to a query by Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.
In the context of Sarawak, Dr Jerip emphasised that the ART project is a groundbreaking initiative, set to be the region’s first reliable mass urban transportation system with its own dedicated lanes.
“This will significantly reduce travel time for commuters in Kuching and Samarahan, which currently suffer from severe traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
“The ART is designed to be powered by green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source that can be locally produced, leveraging Sarawak’s abundant water resources. This approach supports Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions,” he said.
Additionally, the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) will include 55 hydrogen-powered feeder buses, providing first- and last-mile connectivity within a three-kilometre radius of each ART station.
The 38 ART vehicles will be manufactured and shipped from China in stages, synchronised with the construction of ART infrastructure and the overall system’s completion timeline.
“With two ART vehicles expected to arrive in early 2025, the remaining units will be shipped in batches from 2025 to 2027,” Dr Jerip concluded. — DayakDaily
