In addition to Kuching, Johor Bahru will also use the Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) transport system to replace the original plan to build a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. The decision was taken after taking into account the cost of the LRT construction which will cost RM16.7 billion. This is twice as high as the cost of building the LRT system in Johor Bahru.
The ART system in JB is of the multi-level hybrid type. In some areas ART that uses normal rubber wheels will use existing roads and will use its own elevated path in areas that often experience road congestion.
It needs to be completed by December 2026 simultaneously with the completion of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) connecting Bukit Chagar to Woodlands, Singapore. Traffic congestion at Bukit Chagar RTS Station will be avoided using ART when it is operational.
At this time it is still unknown whether ART in JB will use an electric system or a hydrogen power source like the pilot project that has been started in Sarawak. ART was developed by CRRC from China in 2017 with the ability to operate autonomously. Each ART has a capacity of up to 309 passengers and travels at a speed of 70 kilometers per hour.