KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Bahru should adopt an automated people mover (APM) system similar to light rail transit (LRT) for its proposed metro network, instead of the currently planned autonomous rail rapid transit (ART), according to Australian transport specialist Malcolm Owens.
Owens told Malay Mail that an APM-style system would better accommodate the city’s rapid growth and rising commuter demand, particularly with the upcoming Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
“An APM system can carry between 10,000 and 30,000 passengers per hour per direction, far higher than the 3,000 to 5,000 passengers typical of ART systems. This makes it much more suitable for a city expecting a surge in commuter volumes,” Owens said.
He added that APM systems operate similarly to LRT but on rubber tracks, offering both flexibility and reliability. “In urban areas with dense traffic and high ridership, APM provides consistent service and can handle peak loads efficiently,” he added.
With the RTS Link connecting Johor Bahru to Singapore’s Woodlands North station, Owens warned that cross-border passenger flows will rise significantly. “Planning a metro system that cannot handle these numbers would be shortsighted,” he said.
Owens also emphasised that Johor Bahru’s long-term transport strategy should prioritise future capacity over short-term construction savings. “ART might be cheaper upfront, but for a growing city like Johor Bahru, investing in an APM-LRT system is investing in the city’s future mobility.”
While Johor previously considered an LRT network, the ART concept was adopted to reduce costs and construction time, serving key corridors such as Skudai, Tebrau, Pasir Gudang, and Iskandar Puteri. Owens argued that revisiting the APM-LRT option could provide a stronger, more reliable backbone for the city’s public transport system.
“Ultimately, Johor Bahru needs a system that will remain efficient and scalable for decades. An APM-LRT network meets that requirement,” he said. – March 12, 2026