RTS Link to Anchor Johor Bahru-Singapore Integrated Mobility Network

KUALA LUMPUR – The Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, connecting Johor Bahru and Singapore, is being developed as a core component of a wider integrated mobility network rather than a standalone service.

Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim, stated that integration has been the fundamental value in the RTS Link planning from the outset.

“The RTS Link was never intended to operate in isolation. It is designed to function as part of a broader mobility ecosystem for Johor Bahru and its surrounding regions,” he told Bernama.

Multi-Modal Connectivity

Under the integrated master plan, the upcoming Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) system in Johor Bahru will include a dedicated stop at Bukit Chagar. This station will provide a direct connection to the RTS Link, with the site for the ART station already identified.

To realize this vision of seamless travel, MRT Corp is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Transport, the Johor State Government, the Johor Public Transport Corporation (PAJ), and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).

Enhancing First and Last-Mile Access

A significant boost to public transport is expected by 2027, with the planned rollout of over 250 additional buses. These vehicles aim to strengthen “first and last-mile” connectivity, ensuring residents can easily reach the transit hubs.

Furthermore, a network of pedestrian bridges will be constructed to link the RTS station with existing rail services, including the KTM Komuter and the Electric Train Service (ETS). This infrastructure is designed to facilitate smooth passenger flow and reduce congestion around the Bukit Chagar area.

“When transfer routes and access to road networks are well-connected, public transport becomes a natural part of daily life rather than just an alternative to be considered,” Mohd Zarif added.

Infrastructure and Parking

While the RTS Link is scheduled to begin operations following its completion on December 31, 2026, some Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects at Bukit Chagar may still be under construction at that time.

To accommodate commuters during and after this period, extensive parking facilities are being prepared. This includes 1,500 parking bays at Bukit Chagar, offering both standard and premium options, as well as an additional 700 dedicated spaces at Coronation Square.

Pedestrian walkways will also connect the station to prominent landmarks, including the Sultan Ibrahim Building and JB Sentral, further expanding the city’s connectivity and accessibility for all users.