KUCHING: Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Metro) plans to procure 55 additional hydrogen buses to enhance the ‘first and last mile connectivity’ for Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) commuters.
Chief executive officer Ts. Mazli Mustaffa said it was part of Sarawak Metro’s commitment to revolutionise Kuching’s public transport system with the hydrogen-powered ART.
He emphasised the company’s dedication, citing nearly five years of experience operating Southeast Asia’s first hydrogen bus passenger service since 2020.
Speaking at the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen (APGH) 2024 conference on Tuesday, Mazli detailed how the trial operations have provided essential insights into managing zero-emission public transport.
“With almost five years of experience, Sarawak Metro is well-equipped to handle the operation and maintenance of KUTS’ future fleet of green hydrogen-powered ART vehicles and feeder buses,” Mazli stated during his presentation on the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Project.
He highlighted the hydrogen buses’ 300 km range and zero emissions as ideal complements to the ART system.
Mazli informed the conference that the ART, the core of the KUTS project, will run on virtual tracks within dedicated lanes and accommodate 250 passengers.
He also participated in a panel discussion on ‘Forging Ahead: Keeping up with the Green Hydrogen Developments in Sarawak’.
The three-day APGH 2024 conference and exhibition gathered industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore the future of green hydrogen technology in the Asia Pacific region.
