Johor bahru: The Johor government has announced plans to hold a special briefing on strategies to alleviate traffic congestion in Johor Bahru following the Aidilfitri celebrations. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi will personally present the state government's short-, medium-, and long-term initiatives, which include the development of an elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposed ART project, set to be introduced in 2024, has garnered approval from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail. The plan has been submitted to the Ministry of Transport and discussed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with hopes for swift approval.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated last December that discussions regarding the ART project's approval are ongoing, and details on its implementation are expected to be finalised soon. Tunku Mahkota Ismail has previously voiced concerns about potential traffic congestion issues that could arise with the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, set to commence operations in early 2027, and the ART project yet to be implemented.

The proposed ART system will feature 32 stations across more than 50 kilometres, with an estimated cost of RM7 billion. It will consist of three main lines: Tebrau, Skudai, and Iskandar Puteri, with the Tebrau line prioritized due to its heavy traffic flow, accounting for 75 per cent of vehicular movement in and out of Johor Bahru.

Onn Hafiz also mentioned exploring additional measures to ease congestion, such as enhancing bus services and expanding e-hailing services. Strengthening the public transport network, including commuter services and the electric train service (ETS), is also on the agenda. The Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur ETS service, launched last December, offers a direct travel option taking approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, state Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh has proposed three locations-Taman Daya, Bandar Seri Alam, and Pasir Putih-as potential sites for new stations for the Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang commuter service.