Bombardier’s ART for Malaysia

Bombardier Transportation and its local partner Hartasuma Sdn Bhd are to build an initial 88 advanced rapid transit (ART) MK II cars for the Kelana Jaya Line in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The contract signed with Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (SPNB) is valued at approximately $210m with Bombardier’s share valued at approximately $147m. The agreement includes options for 52 additional cars. Should all options be exercised, the entire contract would total 140 cars and be valued at approximately $320m.

The fully automated, driverless Kelana Jaya Line began operation in 1998 and was built by a Bombardier-led consortium that included SNC Lavalin. Today, the line links western and eastern suburbs to Kuala Lumpur’s downtown. At 29km, the Kelana Jaya Line is the longest fully automated, driverless transit system in Asia. The line currently uses 70 Bombardier-built ART MK II vehicles. SPNB’s order for new vehicles will expand the line’s passenger carrying capability. The line is currently operating at maximum capacity.

The cars will be manufactured at Bombardier Transportation production facilities in North America with final assembly in Malaysia through a local partner, a major player in the Malaysian rail industry. Delivery of the cars is expected to take place between September 2008 and June 2010.