The Cabinet has decided that the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under the Prime Minister's Department will soon issue a request for proposal (RFP) to the private sector to implement the elevated Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) plan in Johor Bahru.
Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook said the Ministry of Transport submitted a proposal to the Cabinet last December to construct the elevated ART, which was approved by the Cabinet and led to the aforementioned directive being issued.
“This RFP means that we are looking to collaborate with the private sector through the concept of public-private partnership (PPP). This is something we want to implement quickly.”
“We will first evaluate the proposals, and only after a decision is made can we determine the next steps.”
He stated this at a press conference today (13th) after witnessing the signing of the joint development agreement for the Bukit Chagar real estate project between MRT Corp and Sunway Integrated Properties Private Limited.
When asked about the proposal to construct an elevated ART in Johor to support the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link), he said that this is a necessary transport system for the state of Johor because, unlike the 5 to 7 years needed for a light rail transit, the elevated ART takes less time and is a more feasible and faster transport system to implement.
He noted that the concept of the elevated ART is a mix of bus routes and railways, making it more flexible.
According to reports, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz indicated that the elevated ART plan has received approval from the country's head Sultan Ibrahim and the Crown Prince of Johor Tunku Ismail.
The proposed construction cost of the elevated ART is estimated to be nearly RM 7 billion, involving 32 stations across 3 routes, with a total length exceeding 50 kilometers.
Johor chose the elevated ART system due to its shorter construction period, aiming to complement the Johor-Singapore RTS set to be operational in January 2027.