RTS Link Fare Study Underway to Ensure Affordable Cross-Border Travel

The first train set for the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link was unveiled recently, marking a major milestone for the cross-border rail project. The sleek four-car train will soon begin testing at the new Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) in Tuas ahead of its scheduled launch in 2026.

Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke, who attended the ceremony with Singapore’s acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, said the service is set to transform daily travel across the Causeway.

A final market study is currently being conducted to determine ticket fares. Loke said the aim is to strike the right balance, keeping prices attractive enough to encourage more people to shift to public transport.

Loke also shared that discussions are ongoing to finalise operating hours, especially for early commuters. While the train won’t run 24 hours due to the need for nightly maintenance, it will be scheduled to cater to peak demand hours.

Once fully operational, the RTS Link will be able to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Each train can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and during peak hours, trains will run every 3.6 minutes.

Loke stressed the importance of implementing an open payment system for the RTS Link, in line with global trends. This would allow commuters to use multiple forms of payment, making the system more accessible and convenient.

Singapore’s Jeffrey Siow noted that fares should ultimately be determined by the operator, RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), based on market demand, operating costs and other commercial factors.

RTSO is a joint venture between Prasarana RTS Operations Sdn Bhd and Singapore’s SMRT RTS Pte Ltd. It will operate the 4 KM-long cross-border rail line connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore.

Loke said the project is more than just a transportation solution as it symbolises strong ties between Malaysia and Singapore at a time when the world is growing more divided.

The RTS Link also plays a key role in the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), aimed at boosting economic cooperation and regional integration.

Source: MalayMail