The
region of Iskandar Malaysia is all abuzz with the exciting news about the Pilot
Testing of the main mass transit mode of transport, planned to be implemented here.
 |
| Some of the green technology buses in the Pilot Testing that run on electricity and bio-diesel from among the nine participating bus companies |
The
Public Transport Master Plan for Iskandar Malaysia through the Iskandar
Malaysia Transport Blueprint 2010 – 2030 has identified the Bus Rapid Transit
(BRT) System as the main mass transit mode of transport for this region.
It
is the nation’s first comprehensive state-level implementation of a BRT System
and will serve as the backbone of the public transportation infrastructure in
Iskandar Malaysia.
 |
| The buses in the Pilot Testing are clearly identified by this: Kenderaan ini sedang diuji |
When
the IMBRT is fully operational, the system will provide bus services in 44
direct routes with 55 feeder routes, in a wider network of coverage and reach
through its feeder, direct and trunk routes, interconnecting with other transit
services.
During
the next three months – from April 8 to July 8, 2021 – buses that run on
electricity and biodiesel, will be plying a four-kilometer route along
Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar, between the Anjung Neighbourhood Centre and Horizon
Hills residential area.
On
April 8, the Pilot Testing for the IMBRT was officiated by Menteri Besar Johor,
Datuk Ir. Hasni Mohammad, in a simple ceremony.
 |
| The Pilot Testing for IMBRT was officiated by Menteri Besar Johor, Datuk Ir. Hasni Mohammad |
Also
present were Johor State Secretary, Dato’ Azmi Rohani; Johor Baru Mayor, Dato’
Haji Adib Azhari Daud; Iskandar Puteri Mayor, Dato’ Haji Mohd Haffiz Ahmad and
State and Federal Government Agency representatives.
After
inspecting the scale model of a linear IMBRT station and visiting three types
of buses being considered for the feeder, direct and main routes from among the
nine green technology buses being tested here, Datuk Hasni boarded the Mobilus
high-capacity bus for a ride experience.
 |
| Menteri Besar Johor inspect the scale model of a linear station for the IMBRT transport system |
However,
this high-capacity bus does not need to use railway tracks but drives smoothly
on roads.
And
because it does not use tracks, this not only saves costs from building railway
tracks but is also less disruptive in public areas caused by massive
construction.
Interestingly,
this bus also does not have to make three-point turns or reverse. This is
because it is designed with two pilot cockpits on either end of the bus to
drive the bus in the opposite direction.
 |
| The Mobilus high-capacity bus drives on roads |
Over
the next three months, these Green Technology buses will be tested to determine
their roadworthiness as well as potential for use on the feeder, direct and
trunk routes of the IMBRT transport system.
Painted Royal Blue, these buses are easily identified because the coaches have the words, Kenderaan
ini sedang diuji, emblazoned on its rear and sides.
 |
| The interior of the Mobilus high-capacity bus replicates that of a MRT and LRT |
During
the Pilot Testing period, IRDA and the related agencies will be conducting
assessments and collecting feedback on the effectiveness and safety of the
buses to ascertain if they were viable for use here.
The
aim of the IMBRT public transport system is to provide a service which is
efficient, convenient and environmentally friendly, and which covers a wider
area in Iskandar Malaysia.
 |
| The buses are designed to comfortably accommodate people with disabilities |
For
this system to operate more effectively, IRDA is working closely with the two
City Councils – Johor Baru and Iskandar Puteri – to ensure that the feeder
routes are properly equipped for commuters to walk along lighted pavements and
covered walkways in comfort and confidence, and at all hours.
The
implementation of this transport system will not only provide better bus
services to a wider area – compared to a MRT or LRT which are limited for use
on rail tracks – it will also offer job opportunities to a wider group of
people in the community.
While
experienced bus drivers may need to be retrained to drive electric buses,
others may need to acquire another set of skills to manage for example,
electronic ticketing systems and other high-technology jobs.
As
IRDA celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2021, the Pilot Testing of
the IMBRT public transport system is a significant achievement for IRDA.
 |
| Information plaques such as this provides an overview of the IMBRT project at the Information Gallery, Anjung Neighbourhood Centre in Iskandar Puteri |
At
the launch event, IRDA also announced a Competition to name the IMBRT bus with
attractive cash prizes to be won.
This
competition is open to the public. For details, visit webpage: www.imbrt.com.my
and IMBRT Official social media platforms in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
As
the Pilot Testing of the IMBRT gets underway, the excitement continues at the
end of the test period in 2021 when tenders will be invited for construction,
with a view to be completed according to the schedule to start operations by
2023.
For
an overview of the IMBRT project, members of the public are invited to visit
the Information Gallery located adjacent to the Operations Communications
Centre at the Anjung Neighbourhood Centre, in Iskandar Puteri.
Feedback,
comments and suggestions are welcome. Just send to IMBRT Official social media
platforms in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
No comments:
Post a Comment