Two Kuching ART units have arrived, pilot operations target year-end

THE first two Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) units for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) have arrived in Kuching, with another two expected by the end of this year.

Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said pilot operations to test the ART system are targeted to begin by the end of this year along the Blue Line Phase 1 alignment from Rembus to Northbank.

“The pilot phase would allow contractors and operators to assess the system’s performance, safety and operational readiness, as well as address any shortcomings before commercial operations begin,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

As of September 2026, the Blue Line Phase 1 had achieved 88 per cent physical progress, compared with the planned 97 per cent.

The overall physical progress of KUTS Phase 1 stood at 49 per cent, against the planned progress of 53 per cent.

The project commenced in November 2022, with the Rembus Depot as its first component.

Once completed, KUTS will comprise the Blue, Red and Green lines, supported by the Rembus Hydrogen Plant, providing an integrated public transport network for Kuching.

Lee said the system would offer a more sustainable transport alternative, ease traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and support the objectives of the Sarawak Integrated Transport Master Plan.

While construction of the Blue and Red lines is progressing, the Green Line is expected to begin construction in the first quarter of 2027.