The completion of the electric double-track system (ETS) is expected to improve transportation and quality of life for commuters across Peninsular Malaysia, officials announced. The project is seen as a model for development for Johor and the entire country.
ETS Completion and Future Integration Plans
Speaking at a press conference, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the completed ETS system connects commuters living across the length of Peninsular Malaysia. He added that the project aims to improve the way of life for people and encourage the use of public transport.
Initial operations will focus on connecting Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, though the ETS service eventually aims to connect commuters travelling to northern Malaysian cities like Butterworth, Ipoh and Padang Besar.
Plans are also in place to connect the ETS line to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a RM50 billion (US$12.17 billion) megaproject linking the Klang Valley in Selangor to the east coast states of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
Johor Bahru Integration
Within Johor Bahru, there are plans to integrate the ETS with the upcoming Rapid Transit System Link connecting to Singapore, bus services, and the still-under-discussion Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
An ART system is an autonomous train-bus hybrid network that runs on roads, utilizing sensors to follow a virtual track.
“This requires assistance from state and federal government players to ensure that there’s good housing and other amenities adjacent to these ETS stations,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. “Johor has solidified itself as a strong economy but we must ensure these benefits are translated to the common folks.”
The event was also attended by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
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