BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & NATASHA JEE
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Ministry of Transport is looking at developing the first-mile and last-mile connectivity for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) service as part of efforts to ensure that the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) offers greater comfort and convenience for the commuters.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said for this purpose, the hydrogen feeder buses will serve areas within two kilometres of each station.
“Sarawak Metro will consider increasing the number of buses should there be greater demand in future.
“Apart from that, Sarawak Metro has also been in talks with various players in the local transport industry on ways to further improve the first and last mile connectivity,” he said in his speech during the official launching of the phase 1 KUTS project here, today (Dec 16).
Lee said the first and last mile connectivity is crucial to realise the full potential of the ART service and Sarawak Metro is looking at this matter very seriously.
“With the ART service in place, our public transport system in the future will also be more socially-inclusive by ensuring that people with disabilities will have better access to a modern and efficient public transport system.
“This means putting in place the necessary facilities that will make it easier for everyone to commute with comfort and convenience,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, in terms of addressing the issues of traffic congestion, particularly in Kota Samarahan, he said the ministry will be taking into consideration various viable solutions.
“This means that the issue would have to addressed not just by one ministry, but in fact various agencies, at both state and federal levels, working in tandem to ensure that the people of Kota Samarahan can continue to enjoy a good quality of life.
“And I am happy to note that for Kota Samarahan, apart from the KUTS project and the ART system, the government is also looking at the option of installing smart traffic lights, under the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway traffic light project.
“I am pleased to note that Sarawak Metro is working closely with Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak to ensure that the smart traffic light system and ART system will work seamlessly for the benefit of all commuters and road users in the future,” he added.
