Three consortia have submitted proposals to Malaysia’s Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) for the development of the elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (e-ART) system in Johor Bahru. These include MMC Corp Bhd–DOM Industries (M) Sdn Bhd, WCT Holdings Bhd–Lion Pacific Sdn Bhd, and YTL Corp Bhd–SIPP Rail Sdn Bhd.
The proposed e-ART system is a major infrastructure project to improve urban mobility in southern Johor, especially ahead of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) launch in late 2026. The system will span three main corridors—Skudai, Tebrau, and Iskandar Puteri—with Bukit Chagar as the interchange. The project is expected to include 32 stations and cost nearly RM7 billion. The contract is likely to be awarded by end-2025.
To qualify, bidders must meet UKAS requirements, including a minimum 30 percent Bumiputera equity shareholding, at least RM500 million in net worth over the past five years, RM750 million in credit facilities, and a minimum RM500 million completed project in construction or transport within the last 20 years.
The e-ART will function as a driverless elevated BRT system with a passenger capacity of 5,000–12,000 passengers per hour per direction, depending on configuration. It replaces a previously proposed at-grade BRT plan, which was shelved due to congestion concerns. The project draws from similar efforts like Kuching’s KUTS, where DOM Industries is also a system contractor.
Bidders are allowed to propose different systems as long as they meet UKAS criteria for capacity, coverage, and operational efficiency.
