Malaysia’s Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) has launched its pilot programme to test the performance of high-capacity electric buses. The three-month programme will evaluate the buses’ functionality and showcase the use of renewable technology. The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and other authorities will evaluate nine local and international suppliers’ electric and biodiesel buses, conducting evaluations, gathering input on their safety and effectiveness, and obtaining permission for their use. The pilot programme will run between Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Jalan Laksamana 1 and 2 and Persiaran Dato’ Seri Amar.
The pilot was scheduled to run during 2020 but had to be rescheduled due to the pandemic and the automated rapid transit (ART) buses reached Malaysia in January 2021. The buses, which are manufactured by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), can transport more than 300 passengers in three carriages and the capacity can be expanded to 500 with the addition of two more carriages. The buses have a maximum speed of 70 km per hour and can drive themselves by interpreting virtual tracks with their sensors, though a driver can still control the vehicles if necessary.
The BRT system will be developed in phases. The first phase spans 51 km. The project is being financed by the Government of Malaysia and the private sector. Mobilus Sdn Bhd (Mobilus), a joint venture (JV) of Malaysia-based Ireka Corporation Berhad (51 per cent stake) and CRRC Urban Traffic (Europe) Company Limited (49 per cent stake) are importing the vehicles from CRCC. Passenger services are expected to commence by end-2021.