Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) is a tram system developed by the CRCC company from China in 2017. At that time it was marketed as the world's first electrically powered self-driving railless tram system. This system was later modified for use in Sarawak by using hydrogen cells as a power source.
After undergoing various tests in Zhuzhou, China since last March, the world's first ART with hydrogen power finally arrived in Sarawak last Friday. This was announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. This first tram will use the name Bulan in conjunction with the name of the Sarawak Government Railway's first locomotive that operated between 1841 and 1946.
The three-carriage tram will begin operations in Samarahan with it being used by students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM). Payment will be made in full using Sarawak Pay.
Then in September to October, it will start service between Kuching and Samarahan in the second phase of the proof-of-concept test. The hydrogen-powered ART is a transportation system developed specifically for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS). It can carry up to 241 passengers, travel at speeds of up to 70 km/h and an operational range of up to 245 km.
To launch the operation it uses a special route to avoid traffic jams. A hydrogen system is used instead of battery cells because the refueling process is faster. It is also in line with Sarawak's aspiration to become a green hydrogen hub by 2027.