Yap: ART’s dedicated lanes not extravagance but sound planning, recognise Kuching’s urban reality

KUCHING (Jan 19): Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong’s recent statement on the Kuching Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project is misleading, selective, and reflects a clear lack of research into modern public transport systems, said Wilfred Yap.

The Kota Sentosa assemblyman said the ART is recognised internationally 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.

“The use of dedicated and partially elevated corridors is not extravagance, but sound planning,” he said in a statement.

Yap pointed out Kuching is a low-density city with limited road width and multiple river crossings.

He said 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 explained.

“YB Yong’s frequent comparison with street-running Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems is also outdated. Many cities worldwide are now upgrading or grade-separating BRT systems because they fail to cope with congestion and growing demand. Ignoring these lessons does not make the argument stronger but it only makes it less credible.”

According to him, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) representative’s cost criticism is “equally weak” as Kuching’s ART costs significantly less per kilometre than Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems, including the LRT now being pursued by the DAP Penang state government.

“Johor’s proposed ART is supported by PH (Pakatan Harapan) leaders and also includes elevated sections, similar to Kuching’s design,” Yap said.

The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy treasurer said selectively attacking Sarawak while ignoring these facts raises serious questions about Yong’s consistency and sincerity.

He said Sarawak’s ART also incorporates hydrogen-powered vehicles, supporting the state’s clean energy agenda and reducing long-term operating and environmental costs.

“Finally, the suggestion that ART spending deprives Sarawakians of water supply, roads, or public services is plainly incorrect. Sarawak continues to invest heavily in water infrastructure, rural roads, healthcare, and education while modernising its public transport. This is balanced development, not neglect.

“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 said.

Yap added Sarawakians deserve facts and forward-looking solutions and not ill-informed commentary.

Last Thursday, Yong declared the ART project being implemented in Kuching by Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd as a bus-based public transport system with design and execution resembling a rail system.

She criticised the ART’s dedicated corridors, elevated structures, and segregated alignments.

Phase 1 of the ART under the Kuching Urban Transportation System involves a 69.9km route on dedicated lanes that are either elevated or at-grade (road level).