Why the Elevated ART Is Replacing Previous Bus Transit Plans

As Johor Bahru prepares for the completion of the cross-border Rapid Transit System (RTS) by the end of 2026, the city is racing to build an efficient public transport network to manage the expected surge of commuters . To tackle this, authorities are pushing forward with plans for an elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (e-ART) system .

A race to connect the city

Three major consortiums are currently vying for the contract to build the e-ART system, which is designed to serve as a vital link for dispersing passengers arriving from Singapore . The project is expected to be awarded by the end of 2025, with the system covering three primary corridors: Skudai, Tebrau, and Iskandar Puteri . This infrastructure is seen as a necessary step to prevent the city centre from becoming choked with traffic once the RTS begins operations .

What exactly is an e-ART?

The e-ART is essentially an unmanned, elevated version of a bus rapid transit system . Unlike traditional trains, these vehicles run on rubber wheels along a guideway, offering a flexible and cost-effective alternative to heavy rail . Depending on the number of carriages, the system can carry between 5,000 and 12,000 passengers per hour per direction .

Why the shift from buses to ART?

Previous attempts to implement a standard Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Iskandar Malaysia were shelved because the capacity was insufficient for the region's projected growth . By opting for an elevated ART, the government aims to provide a high-capacity solution that avoids the congestion issues of road-level transport . While the Kuching version of this technology uses hydrogen fuel, the JB project focuses on an elevated guideway to ensure smooth, uninterrupted travel .