IMBRT Pilot Testing is now on!

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 Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit transport system or IMBRT in short, is a strategic national initiative to develop a reliable and convenient bus transit system to enhance the quality of life for the communities in Iskandar Malaysia.

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

The BRT System will cover a total network coverage of some 2,043km with three main lines that will travel through Iskandar Puteri, Skudai and Tebrau.

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

It was witnessed by Chairman of the Johor State Public Works, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Mohd Solihan Badri, Chief Executive of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, and representatives from the participating bus suppliers.

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

The interior design of the high-capacity bus not only looks like that of cabins for Light Rail Transit and Mass Rapid Transit, but also feels the same.

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

This is certainly no ordinary bus as announced by the words painted on its side that reads, #bukanbasbiasa … saya kenderaan elektrik

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

The nine bus suppliers participating in the Pilot Testing are Mobilus Sdn Bhd, CRRC Zhejiang Electric Vehicle, Scania, WSH Automotive Sdn Bhd, HMH Electric Transport Sdn Bhf, Hyundai Corporation, Wise Star Group, BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Go Automobile Manufacturing Sdn Bhd.

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

While the high-capacity bus has designated main routes through this region, this transport system will be supported by feeder buses of various capacities that matches with the size of the roads in the 55 feeder routes in the sub-urban areas.

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 15^th 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

 

Since its inception in 2006, IRDA has successfully developed an attractive eco-system in Iskandar Malaysia with a host of investments in the fields of manufacturing, logistics, tourism, education, as well as health and wellness services.

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.