Kuching’s ART prototype hits the road in POC exercise

The Proof-of-Concept (POC) phase for the groundbreaking Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen vehicle prototype has kickstarted along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.

Initiated by Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, road users are urged to exercise caution along the POC route, spanning from the Sarawak Heart Centre Roundabout to the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Roundabout.

A notice detailing traffic flow adjustments and flagmen locations during the POC period has been issued. The exercise, operational from 5 am to 8 pm between Nov 20 and Dec 15, promises insights into the performance of the hydrogen vehicle.

Kuching ART signifies a significant leap

Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd has officially launched the Proof-of-Concept (POC) exercise for the prototype Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen vehicle on the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.

The initiative, signifying a significant leap in sustainable and autonomous transportation, commenced today and is scheduled to run until December 15.

As part of the safety advisory, road users are advised to exercise extra caution, especially in the stretch between the Sarawak Heart Centre Roundabout and the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Roundabout.

This exercise provides a crucial opportunity to evaluate the performance and feasibility of the prototype ART hydrogen vehicle in real-world conditions. Any subsequent changes in dates, times, or locations related to the POC exercise will be communicated by Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd.

Valuable insight on transportation solutions

The prototype ART hydrogen vehicle, having completed its initial engineering run and POC exercise at Kuching Isthmus in September and October, marks a pivotal moment as it embarks on the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.

The POC exercise unfolds along a section of the Blue Line’s dedicated lane, recently constructed between the Sarawak Heart Centre Roundabout and the ILP Kota Samarahan Roundabout

This development aligns with the implementation of Southeast Asia’s inaugural Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, operational between these two roundabouts.

Notably crafted by a local Sarawakian company, the TSP system serves to regulate traffic efficiently along the expressway, a prelude to the forthcoming ART system. As the POC exercise progresses, its outcomes will provide valuable insights into the potential integration of autonomous and hydrogen-powered transportation solutions in the region.

As Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd undertakes this critical phase until December 15, road users are urged to exercise caution, and their cooperation in ensuring smooth traffic flow is acknowledged. The POC exercise, unfolding on the dedicated Blue Line lane, aligns with the operational Southeast Asia’s inaugural Transit Signal Priority system.

Developed locally, this system aims to streamline traffic along the expressway, setting the stage for the integration of the ART system. The ongoing exercise promises to shape the future of sustainable and innovative transportation solutions in Kuching and beyond.