RTS Link’s February 2027 target tied to safety and operational readiness

The revised February 2027 target for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link should be seen as allowing sufficient time for safety and operational assurance, rather than as evidence of a major infrastructure delay, says a transport expert.

Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, founder and senior adviser to transport think tank MY Mobility Vision, said the RTS Link still has to undergo final system tests, trial runs, independent safety certification and regulatory approvals before passenger services can begin.

“We do not have an infrastructure delay, that’s for sure. If you look into the infrastructure perspective, both Malaysia and Singapore are substantially ready,” he told FMT.

He said the RTS Link involves multiple systems and operating procedures across Malaysia and Singapore, making the final testing phase particularly important.

A joint statement by the transport ministry and Singapore’s land transport authority (LTA) confirmed that infrastructure works on both sides were substantially complete, with the project remaining on track to support passenger services once testing and commissioning were satisfactorily completed.

RTS Operations (RTSO), the joint venture between Prasarana Bhd and Singapore’s SMRT, expects to complete final system tests and trial runs by Dec 31 before obtaining independent safety certification and regulatory approvals from both countries.

“What remains now is mainly the final system testing and dry runs, followed by independent safety certification and regulatory approval from both countries. So these processes are important and should not be rushed,” Wan Agyl said.

“It is better to take the necessary time now and ensure the system is safe and reliable from day one. If not, we will have a bigger problem to manage.”

Singapore transport minister Jeffrey Siow said LTA’s project team had worked to ensure Woodlands North station was ready for cross-border train services, but safety certification and licensing had yet to be completed under the original timetable.

The Malaysia-Singapore joint statement did not attribute the revised commencement date to either country, saying instead that more time was needed for the remaining testing, certification and regulatory processes.

Passenger services, initially targeted for January, are now expected to begin in February 2027, subject to RTSO obtaining independent safety certification and final regulatory approval in Malaysia and Singapore.

The 4km RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru with Woodlands North in Singapore and is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.

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