JB-Singapore RTS Link passenger service delayed to February

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link passenger service has been delayed to February, with final systems tests and trial runs expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Singapore's RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), the train service operator, said the revised timeline remained subject to independent safety certification and final regulatory approvals from Malaysia and Singapore.

In a statement yesterday, RTSO said it expected to complete all systems tests and trial runs by Dec 31, followed by safety certification by an independent safety assessor.

"Taking into account the expected duration of works and the estimated duration required for safety certification from a third party and approval by both Grantors, passenger service is expected to begin in February 2027.

"Singapore Land Transport Authority and the Transport Ministry have been informed of the revised timeline," the statement read.

RTSO said infrastructure works in both countries were complete and remained on track to support passenger service once the remaining testing and commissioning activities were completed.

The New Straits Times contacted Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who confirmed that the RTS Link operation had been delayed to February.

However, Johor Works, Transportation, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said he had learnt of the delay through media reports from Singapore.

The much-anticipated cross-border rail service is designed to ease congestion at the Causeway and improve daily connectivity between Johor Baru and Singapore.

The RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru with Woodlands North in Singapore, with a peak capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.

The journey between the two stations is expected to take about five minutes.

Co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities at both stations will allow commuters to complete immigration clearance at their point of departure.

RTSO is a joint venture between subsidiaries of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and SMRT Corporation Ltd.