by S BIRRUNTHA / pic credit: imbrt.com.my

THE Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) project will undergo a pilot testing programme for three months beginning April 8, 2021.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) CEO Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said the pilot testing will be conducted by IRDA along the Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar between Horizon Hill and Anjung in Medini.

He said it will see the involvement of nine bus suppliers that will conduct a demonstration of the latest green bus technologies including electric and biodiesel.

“The participating suppliers will showcase buses ranging from six metres, 12 metres to 32 metres.

“A study will also be undertaken by the Malaysia Institute of Transport (MITRANS) to assess the performance of the Automated Rapid Transit (ART), especially its turning, maneuverability, and lane-changing capabilities on the road,” he said in a virtual media briefing on IMBRT’s progress today.

He noted that the six-metre buses will undergo testing to gauge feasibility of feeder routes, as well as battery life span (per trip) for the electric buses.

Billed as the backbone of public transportation in Iskandar Malaysia, the IMBRT’s primary goal is to enhance public transportation coverage within the region from 39% to 90%.

Ismail said Iskandar Malaysia needed to be well connected to grow as an international metropolis by 2025.