TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke said the government is satisfied with the progress of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project between Johor Baru and Singapore and is confident that the system will be fully operational on January 1, 2027.

He said the two countries are committed to making the multi-billion ringgit project a success, with discussions held periodically.

“We are very confident that the implementation of this project will go smoothly and that the RTS Link operation will start on January 1, 2027.

“The work progress is on schedule. We are committed to making it a success. Congratulations to the Malaysian and Singaporean teams for their hard work and cooperation,” Loke said at a joint press conference with Singapore’s Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat after the completion of the connecting span for the Malaysia-Singapore RTS Link Project at the marine viaduct of both countries in Johor Baru today.

Meanwhile, Loke said, the construction of the RTS Link marine viaduct between Johor Bahru-Singapore is 68% completed.

“The construction of the terrestrial viaduct, which was awarded on March 22, 2023, is now also in full swing and the progress is at 31%.

“The station is also 41% completed. As for the construction of the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex building – which was awarded on October 11, 2023 – piling work has been completed, and the progress of the superstructure stands at 3.22%,” he said.

Regarding the RTS Link fare, Loke said it would be competitive.

“The fare will be competitive to ensure travellers from both countries enjoy a seamless journey because it will cut down travelling time as immigration clearing will be done at one station. That is the main convenience of the RTS Link,” he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong signed a plaque to show the commitment by both countries to the project symbolically.

The RTS Link project is a commuter rail network of approximately 4km with two stations, one at Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru, and the other at Woodlands North, Singapore.

With a capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction and a journey time of about five minutes between the two stations, the RTS Link will provide an easy and comfortable journey between Singapore and Johor Baru. – Bernama, January 11, 2024.