Johor Bahru:The Skudai-Tampoi-Larkin-city centre and Tebrau-Pandan-city centre corridors have been identified as priority routes for Johor Bahru's Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (e-ART) system, due to their high potential demand for public transport.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MY Mobility Vision founder and senior adviser Wan Agyl Wan Hassan emphasized the importance of selecting the right routes to ensure the e-ART system effectively connects residential areas, employment centres, and commercial hubs to the city centre, thereby reducing traffic congestion and reliance on private vehicles.

Wan Agyl highlighted the need for seamless integration of the e-ART with existing transport systems like the RTS Link, KTM Komuter, and bus services. He noted that successful integration would require careful planning of residents' commuting patterns and transport interchange facilities to facilitate passenger movement from residential areas to the city centre and Bukit Chagar RTS Station.

Attention to traffic management around Bukit Chagar is also necessary to avoid congestion from vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers. Future expansion of the e-ART system could include areas such as Pasir Gudang and Iskandar Puteri, broadening public transport access.

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia's Associate Professor Dr Nor Aziati Abdul Hamid stressed the importance of seamless integration between the e-ART system and the RTS Link. She pointed out that careful attention must be given to service frequency, route suitability, and transfer convenience to encourage commuter usage.

The plans for the e-ART network also consider potential future expansion to Senai International Airport to enhance transport connectivity. Local resident Faisyah Farain Ramli expressed hope that the e-ART system would offer a convenient and affordable transport option, especially for those without private vehicles, and expand coverage to more areas.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the government's agreement to implement the e-ART system as a solution to Johor Bahru's traffic congestion, alongside measures to enhance the public transport network ahead of the RTS Link's launch. These include expanding bus routes, increasing service frequency, and introducing Grab Shuttle services in high-traffic areas.