KUCHING: Sarawak could use China as a model with regard to its public transport systems, namely the use of Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system as well as riverine transport. These matters were discussed yesterday during a courtesy call made by Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Cheng Guangzhong; Consul of People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Li Wangyuan; and Bank of China regional general manager (East Malaysia), Zhang Hongkun, on Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin at his office at the Baitul Makmur Building in Petra Jaya.
“China is now using ART. Six cities have already implemented it. We will look into using this mode of modern transportation here in Sarawak. Of course, we need to do a detailed study first especially on designing the ART routes and look into the type of ART vehicles we can use here,” said Lee.
He expressed hope that this ART system would be realised in Sarawak within the next three years, with Kuching as the pilot city and then moving on to other cities.
The first step, he said, was to establish routes and open new ones.
“The ART uses dedicated lanes along ordinary roads instead of rails like LRT (light rail transit). So, we would have to extend the roads and build new routes.”
Lee added that with dedicated lanes, there would be no obstruction, indicating that an accurate and reliable schedule could be established. Regular buses could also use this lane.
“In order to encourage people to use public transport, it has to be safe, reliable and efficient,” he said.
He revealed that in the ART system five coaches could carry 500 people. “Presently in China they use electricity to power the vehicles. Once fully charged, an ART vehicle can go for about 25km at 70 km/hour. They have charging stations for the batteries,” Lee explained. “This is intelligent transport because it uses a lot of IT (information technology) … the autogates, cashless tickets … very modern,” he remarked.
Comparing the two choices, ART and LRT, the minister said their studies had shown that the former is more feasible and more affordable at about a third the cost of LRT.
According to him, Cheng would assist in arranging for him to undergo a study visit to cities in China which have implemented ART as well as factories which manufacture ART vehicles.
With regards to riverine transport, Lee said his ministry had yet to carry out a detailed study in this field but he thought that it is a viable option as Sarawak has many rivers.
“In China they use a lot of riverine transport to carry their goods and passengers, which helps to reduce road traffic congestion,” he said.
However, he pointed out that modernisation of facilities at Sarawak’s wharfs and jetties would be required to encourage the use of riverine transport.
“Now, we are focusing on urban traffic management. That is the priority,” said Lee.
He added, since his appointment as Transport Minister a month ago, he had met numerous stakeholders in the transport industry including groups from the shipping industry and bus associations.
“Unimas’ Vice Chancellor and a group of senior academics also visited me and briefed me on what the university can do in terms of research on urban transport management and so on.”
During the meeting, Cheng also highlighted the potential friendship between Shandong province and Sarawak, disclosing that Shandong is one of the most significant industrial, agricultural, maritime, and cultural provinces in China. “If Shandong and Sarawak build this friendship, it would boost the economic growth of both sides. It would be a very good opportunity to discuss this cooperation,” he said.
