The autonomous rapid transit (ART) vehicle being tested in China. Photo credit: CRRC China

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 23: Sarawak’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, currently under construction, is set to begin operations in early 2026.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this innovative project will make Sarawak home to Asia’s first hydrogen-powered public transport system, part of the broader Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS).

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“In the pursuit of developing hydrogen as a new carbon free fuel, particularly for public transport, Sarawak has installed probably Southeast Asia’s first hydrogen plant capable of producing 130kg of hydrogen per day in 2019 for the purpose of research.

“By early 2026, our Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), now under construction, is expected to start operations as Asia’s first hydrogen-powered public transport under the KUTS,” he said when officiating the Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference 2024 (BIWWEC 2024) held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

The ART network under the Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS) project is being developed in phases.

Phase 1 is divided into three network lines, namely the Blue Line from Rembus Depot in Kota Samarahan to Hikmah Exchange in Kuching; the Red Line from Kuching Sentral to Pending; and the Green Line from Pending to Damai Central. — DayakDaily