KUCHING, The first unit of Sarawak’s hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) smart tram is expected to arrive in Sarawak by the third quarter (Q3) of this year, State Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said.

He said the finalised version of the smart tram comes with some improvements involving its front design and outer colour that symbolises the Sarawak flag.

‘For our finalised version of ART, we have made some improvements to the design. It is now at the manufacturing plant in China. We will go there this August or September to test drive before having it shipped to Sarawak where it will be assembled.

‘We will test it until we are satisfied…cannot reveal too much now, but the top speed will remain at 70 km/h,’ he told a press conference here today.

Earlier, during the State Assembly sitting, Lee said the ground foundation work for the Rembus Depot as the central hub for ART operations and administration is currently ongoing and is expected to be completed also by Q3 of this year.

‘A
s of April 2024, the overall actual progress of Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Phase 1 stands at 20.65 per cent inclusive of consultancy works, studies and physical works.

‘The other infrastructure works tender under the KUTS Phase 1 project is for the construction of Rembus Depot and associated works, which include mechanical and infrastructure workshops, hydrogen refuelling facilities, a test track and an operations control centre,’ he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency