Kuching will get the first two upgraded units of its Kuching Urban Transformation System (KUTS) Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen vehicle by the end of the year.
According to a report by Borneo Post, the news was made known by Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin via a press statement.
The same report also said that pre-commissioning and physical inspection and test ride of the very first unit, or the ‘golden train’ had datken place on Monday, 9 September 2024 at the CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC) manufacturing facility in Yibin, Sichuan Province, China.
Lee was also quoted as saying that Sarawak Metro had ordered 38 units of the hydrogen powered ART vehicles, with each vehicle scheduled to arrive in Kuching in stages.
It was also made known that only five of the 38 units will be fully assembled in China, with the rest delivered as semi-assembled units.
Upgraded KUTS ART units
According to Lee, the Proof of Concept exercise in Kota Samarahan recently saw the ART now getting some upgrades.
These upgrades include improving its ability to climb slopes of up to 10 per cent gradient, and increasing its usability in various road environments with a maximum speed of 80km/h.
In addition to that, the vehicle is also now lighter and comes with dedicated areas for luggage, wheelchairs and foldable bicycles.
New livery with constuction on-going
Sarawak Metro also shared photos of the recent pre-commissioning and physical inspection of the first unit of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen vehicle in China.
The photos show the KUTS ART in its new Sarawak flag inspired livery which is in red, black and yellow.
Construction of the KUTS ART line are also in full swing as shared by the company which had set one of their three lines to be running, at least partially by 2025.
For more details on the KUTS, go HERE.
Alternatively, you can also read our coverage of the KUTS ART (or Kuching ART) HERE.
