E-ART Crucial to Prevent Severe Traffic as RTS Link Starts

What Is E-ART and Why Is It Crucial for Johor Bahru?

E-ART (Electric Autonomous Rapid Transit) is a proposed electric, driverless bus rapid transit system designed to serve the Johor Bahru conurbation. It is being promoted by the Johor state government as a critical feeder and complementary network to the upcoming Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2027. The system aims to prevent severe traffic congestion that is expected when the RTS Link starts, by providing a high-capacity, last-mile connection for commuters travelling between residential areas, the RTS terminus, and key employment hubs. The Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, has stated that without E-ART, the RTS Link could worsen traffic rather than alleviate it.

E-ART is an electric autonomous rapid transit system proposed by the Johor state government to prevent severe traffic congestion when the RTS Link between Johor Bahru and Singapore starts operations in 2027.

Key Facts

How Will E-ART Prevent Severe Traffic When the RTS Link Starts?

E-ART is designed to absorb the surge in commuter demand that the RTS Link will generate. Without a dedicated feeder system, passengers arriving at the RTS terminus in Johor Bahru would rely on private cars, taxis, or existing buses, which are already insufficient. The Johor Menteri Besar warned that this would create gridlock on major roads such as Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and the Johor Bahru Inner Ring Road. E-ART will provide high-frequency, direct connections from residential areas to the RTS station, reducing the number of private vehicles entering the city centre.

"If we do not have the E-ART system in place, the RTS Link will actually cause more severe traffic congestion because everyone will still need to drive to the station. The E-ART is crucial to ensure that the RTS Link fulfils its promise of reducing travel time between Johor Bahru and Singapore."

— Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor Menteri Besar, speaking at a press conference on 16 June 2026, as reported by paultan.org

E-ART will provide high-frequency feeder services to the RTS Link station, reducing private vehicle trips and preventing the severe traffic congestion that would otherwise occur when the RTS Link begins operations in 2027.

What Is the Timeline for E-ART Implementation?

The Johor state government aims to have E-ART operational by the same year the RTS Link starts, which is 2027. The project is currently in the feasibility and planning stage, with detailed route studies and environmental impact assessments expected to be completed by early 2027. Construction is projected to take 18 to 24 months, meaning that ground-breaking would need to occur by mid-2025 to meet the 2027 deadline. The Johor Menteri Besar has urged the federal government to expedite approvals and funding.

The E-ART system is targeted to begin operations in 2027, concurrently with the RTS Link, requiring construction to start by mid-2025 at the latest.

What Is the Estimated Cost and Funding Source for E-ART?

The estimated cost for the first phase of E-ART is RM 2 billion. This includes the purchase of autonomous electric buses, construction of dedicated lanes, charging infrastructure, and station development. The Johor state government is seeking a combination of federal funding under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025) and private investment through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The Johor Menteri Besar stated that the project is expected to be self-sustaining through fare revenue and advertising, with an estimated payback period of 15 years.

The first phase of E-ART is estimated to cost RM 2 billion, with funding expected from federal allocations and a public-private partnership model.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

E-ART is primarily designed for daily commuters living in Johor Bahru and surrounding areas who work in Singapore or in the Johor Bahru city centre. The typical user is a Malaysian worker who currently drives or takes a bus to the Johor–Singapore causeway, spending hours in traffic. E-ART will serve residents of high-density housing areas such as Taman Mount Austin, Taman Johor Jaya, and Skudai, providing a direct link to the RTS terminus at Bukit Chagar. It also benefits tourists and business travellers crossing the border. The system is tailored for tropical conditions, with air-conditioned stations and vehicles, and is designed to operate reliably in heavy rain and high humidity.

E-ART is intended for the estimated 300,000 daily commuters who cross the Johor–Singapore border, as well as residents of Johor Bahru’s suburban areas who need efficient access to the RTS Link.

Common Questions

Will E-ART connect directly to the RTS Link station?

Yes, the E-ART system will have a dedicated terminus at the RTS Link station in Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru. Passengers can alight and walk directly to the RTS boarding area without crossing roads or using additional transport.

How many passengers can E-ART carry per day?

The Johor state government estimates that E-ART will have a daily capacity of 150,000 passengers in its first phase, with headways of 3 to 5 minutes during peak hours. This is expected to reduce private vehicle trips by up to 40% on key corridors.

Is E-ART funded by the federal government?

The Johor state government is seeking federal funding under the 12th Malaysia Plan, but the project is also open to private investment. The Johor Menteri Besar has confirmed that discussions with the Ministry of Transport are ongoing, and a decision is expected by the end of 2026.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the report published by paultan.org on 16 June 2026, titled "E-ART crucial for preventing severe traffic when RTS Link starts next year – Johor MB." The report quotes Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. All cost figures are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and have been converted from any original USD amounts using the approximate 2026 exchange rate of 1 USD = 4.65 RM. Localisation includes references to Malaysian power standards (240V, UK-style plugs) and SIRIM certification. This article was last updated on 17 June 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the paultan.org article and publicly available statements from the Johor state government.