Gov't Considering LRT Or Tram-Bus For RTS Link To Ease Congestion In JB

Johor Bahru and its surrounding districts will soon benefit from a new tram-bus or light rail transit (LRT) network aimed at reducing traffic congestion. This initiative follows the completion of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link from Woodlands.

According to Johor's state executive councillor for works, transportation and infrastructure Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, the federal government plans to launch a Request for Concepts exercise in the second quarter of this year, inviting the private sector to submit proposals for the construction of either network within the next four months.

““The timeline given to us by the government for initiation of the request for proposal exercise is the second quarter of this year,” he was quoted by The Straits Times as saying.

“The idea is to complete it in two years to closely align with the completion of the RTS Link to ease congestion at Bukit Chagar station.”

The RTS Link, a 4km light rail transit shuttle service that will connect Johor Bahru's Bukit Chagar station with Singapore's Woodlands North station, is scheduled to be completed in 2026. During peak hours, it is expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.


Fazli stated that the RFP process will help the government evaluate the viability of both the ART and LRT projects. The private sector may provide all or part of the funding for the two networks, which could cost around RM7 billion and RM20 billion, respectively.