KUCHING: Although the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project holds the potential to maximise land usage and stimulate new townships and economic hubs, property development success depends on various factors.
Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) president Augustine CH Wong said developers must consider factors such as location, land costs, and the nature of potential projects.
“Poor ground conditions will also influence developers’ decisions regarding project launches. We don’t merely focus on where the ART stations are located,” he explained. Development projects are also subject to approval by the Sarawak Planning Authority.
He told New Sarawak Tribune that the proximity of land to ART stations may result in higher land prices, but property attractiveness to buyers is influenced by additional factors such as affordability, neighbourhood quality, environmental considerations, and access to amenities, schools, commercial centres, and hospitals.
Wong pointed out the importance of making public transportation accessible and affordable to meet consumer needs and gain widespread market acceptance.He opined that publ
ic transportation users expect reasonable ticket prices, reliable schedules, and safety and security. Furthermore, auxiliary and feeder facilities are crucial for integrating public transportation use from home to the city and destination.
“Individuals will have to be convinced that the journey from home to ART stations provides benefits that far outweigh travelling in the comfort of one’s own vehicle.”
Wong concluded that the actual impact of the ART on the property market will become evident after the system has been operational for an extended period.
The ART passenger services are set to commence in stages from the fourth quarter of 2025, starting with the Blue Line, which runs from Rembus in Kota Samarahan to Hikmah Exchange in the Kuching city centre.
Phase 1 of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project also includes the Red Line (from Kuching Sentral to Pending) and the Green Line (from Pending to Damai Central).
