Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link: Project Profile

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) is a critical cross-border light rail infrastructure project designed to significantly enhance connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. This profile details the technical specifications, engineering solutions, and strategic objectives of this 4-kilometer line, which aims to alleviate congestion on the Johor-Singapore Causeway and foster greater economic integration between the two nations.

Project Fact Sheet

Technical Specifications and Engineering Challenges

The RTS Link is a standalone Light Rail Transit (LRT) system engineered for high-capacity, high-frequency service. The route features a 25-meter-high viaduct bridge spanning the Strait of Johor, connecting an elevated station at Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru, with a three-level underground station at Woodlands North, Singapore. The Woodlands North station presented significant engineering challenges, requiring deep excavation to 28 meters and extensive foundation work to integrate seamlessly with Singapore’s Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).

A core innovation is the co-located Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities at both stations. This allows passengers to clear immigration for both countries at their point of departure, drastically reducing transit time. The system will utilize an 8-car trainset configuration supplied by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, designed to transport up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction (PPHPD). The line will operate on a modern Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling system for safe and efficient operations.

Strategic Importance and Regional Impact

• Alleviating Causeway Congestion: The primary objective is to offer a reliable, 5-minute transit alternative to the Johor-Singapore Causeway, one of the world’s busiest land border crossings, which currently sees over 350,000 travelers daily.
• Economic Integration Catalyst: By facilitating seamless movement of labor, tourists, and business travelers, the RTS Link is projected to significantly boost trade, investment, and property development in the Johor Bahru-Singapore economic corridor.
• Streamlined Border Crossing Protocol: The integrated CIQ facility is a landmark feature, setting a new standard for cross-border transit efficiency. Passengers will only need to undergo immigration clearance once for the entire journey, a major improvement over existing processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the RTS Link open to the public?

The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link is scheduled to commence passenger service by the end of 2026. Construction is in its final stages, with systems testing and integration planned throughout the year to ensure operational readiness.

Who is building the RTS Link?

The RTS Link is a bi-national project. Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) is developing the civil infrastructure in Malaysia, while Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) is responsible for the Singaporean section. The system will be operated by RTS Operations Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Malaysia’s Prasarana and Singapore’s SMRT Corporation.