Two Sarawak owned ART vehicles prepare for Kuching bound voyage

The first two units of the Sarawak owned hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles – affectionately dubbed the “golden trains” – have officially passed all necessary testing in China.

According to The Borneo Post, these state-of-the-art vehicles are currently being prepped for delivery to Kuching and are expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2026.

The news marks an incredible milestone for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), a multi-billion ringgit mega-project designed to modernize urban mobility, drastically reduce traffic congestion, and pioneer green energy in Southeast Asia.

Upon arrival in Kuching, both Sarawak owned ART vehicles will be transported to the Kuching ART Assembly Facility (KAAF) to undergo gangway reassembly.

It is understood that once fully reassembled, the units will not hit the commercial streets immediately.

They will be transported to the primary ART depot in Rembus, Kota Samarahan, for a rigorous second phase of localized testing.

This phase will double-check their operational readiness against Sarawak’s tropical climate and road conditions before the official pilot runs launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Backbone of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS)

The ART is hped to be a game-changer for Sarawak’s economy and environmental footprint.

Powered by green hydrogen, these trackless trams emit zero carbon emissions, functioning quietly on rubber tires guided by virtual optical tracks.

They are part of Sarawak’s plan to improve public transportation in Kuching with the Blue Line which connects Rembus in Kota Samarahan to Hikmah Exchange in downtown Kuching expected to be the first line launched.

Currently, a few ART stations along the Blue Line route are already taking shape, hence giving many a glimpse of what is yet to come once the whole project is completed.

Info source: Sarawak Tribune, The Borneo Post