KUCHING, Oct 19: Kuching’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is targeted to begin pilot operations by the end of this year, even as the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Phase 1 project remains four percentage points behind schedule, with physical progress at 49 per cent against the planned 53 per cent as of September 2026.
Minister for Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the pilot operations would take place along the Blue Line Phase 1 alignment from Rembus to Northbank, allowing contractors and operators to assess the system’s performance, safety, and operational readiness before commercial services begin.
“The first two ART units have arrived in Kuching, with another two expected by the end of this year,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
