KUCHING: The Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) Hydrogen Vehicle (H2V) prototype will undergo an engineering run at the Isthmus from Sept 4 through Oct 31 prior to the Proof of Concept (POC) exercise in Samarahan
In a press release Tuesday, Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin stated that the test run would take place along the loop, which includes Jalan Keruing passing the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Menara LCDA, Menara SEDC, and Menara Sarawak Energy.
Some parts of the road would need to be closed during the test run.
“Prior to the road closures, adequate notifications and signs will be posted. Starting Aug 22, advertisements for the road closures will be posted on Sarawak Metro’s social media channels and in the neighbourhood publications,” he said.
“This initiative aims to inform local residents and employees so they can adjust their daily travel schedules during the two months.”
The prototype ART hydrogen vehicle has been transported to Kuching Port Authority’s Pending Terminal where it will be stabled (parked) until the conclusion of the engineering run phase in October.
A mobile hydrogen refuelling station that will be positioned at Pending Terminal will be used to refuel the prototype ART hydrogen vehicle.
Lee said that in November, the prototype unit will be transported to Kota Samarahan for a one-month POC exercise along a part of the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.
According to him, the POC would start on a 3 km long dedicated permanent lane constructed between two roundabouts (the roundabout at the Heart Centre and the roundabout near SAINS).
“The main reason we are not allowing the general public to ride on the ART is because this is still a prototype vehicle, and the main aim is to test its performance here in Sarawak,” he added.
Lee said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is anticipated to introduce the engineering run and POC exercise early the next month.
The Premier would ride the ART along the route at the Isthmus.
