E-ART Key To Preventing Severe Congestion Ahead Of RTS Link Operations - Onn Hafiz

KULAI, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) project is crucial to preventing severe traffic congestion in Johor Bahru when the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link begins operations next year, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

He said the E-ART was a long-term solution needed to support the city’s mobility system, as increased passenger movement was expected to place greater strain on the existing road network once the RTS Link was fully operational.

According to him, the short- and medium-term measures currently being implemented, including the expansion of Park & Ride facilities and smart traffic management at JB Sentral, could only temporarily ease congestion.

“We have to implement these short- and medium-term measures as the main project to disperse traffic from the RTS Link has not yet started.

“Therefore, there is one project we still need to focus on and expedite, which is the E-ART project,” he said during the launch of the Southern Shuttle train service at KTM Kulai Station today.

Present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who is also the Kulai Member of Parliament.

Onn Hafiz said the implementation of the E-ART was important, given that Johor Bahru alone has about 1.8 million residents, a figure almost equivalent to the population of Penang.

He also said Johor Bahru, as the country’s main international gateway with high cross-border movement, required an efficient, high-capacity and well-connected public transport system.

“I believe the federal government’s determination and swift implementation of this project will have a major impact on the people of Johor, especially in easing congestion and improving daily mobility.

“This is a form of Federal intervention that can truly be felt, appreciated and remembered by the people,” he said.

-- BERNAMA