In case you didn’t know, Malaysia now possesses the world’s first hydrogen-powered autonomous rapid transit (ART) smart tram. This information is confirmed by Sarawak’s Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to Johari, the tram arrived at Senari Port from China. The premier also says this at the launching of the Tun Abang Haji Openg digital centre:
“With this ART, it will change our lives. This transportation will focus on our students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Samarahan first. The students will use the ART, and the payment is through Sarawak Pay, which will give discounts or special fares for our students.”
In addition, Johari added the smart tram will transform Sarawak’s future transportation landscape and lifestyle. The premier said:
“When the ART runs, everything will be digital, including ticketing. We will have special passes for students to use the transport. (Credit) can be deposited in Sarawak Pay involving Unimas 17,000 students”.
The train will be convenient for parents to send their children for studies and so forth. He also informs everyone the smart tram would first be test-run at the Kuching Isthmus. This is followed by a test run along the Kuching-Samarahan route.
In addition, sources suggest the prototype will undergo a two-month engineering run at The Isthmus in September and October. After that, it will begin its Stage 2 proof of concept (POC) exercise. This phase will take place along a short stretch of the Blue Line in Samarahan this November.
For your information, this technology is developed by the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute Co Ltd. According to the company, the smart tram can travel up to 245km on a single hydrogen charge. It could also offer a longer driving range and shorter refuelling time. This smart tram will be the first train to adopt a hydrogen energy power system.
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