The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is set to reshape cross-border travel between Malaysia and Singapore. Designed to alleviate congestion on the Johor–Singapore Causeway, the 4km rail project connects Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore. Once operational by the end of 2026, the system will be capable of transporting up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction running at 80km/h, with a travel time of around five minutes.
Jointly developed by Malaysia’s MRT Corp and Singapore’s SMRT Corp, the RTS Link represents more than just infrastructure, it reflects deeper economic integration and regional cooperation. As progress continues on both sides of the border, the project is already driving investor interest, boosting local real estate, and setting the stage for long-term socio-economic transformation in Johor and Singapore.
The RTS Link was first proposed in 2010 as a solution to congestion on the Johor–Singapore Causeway, which handles one of the world’s busiest land border crossings. After a series of delays due to administrative changes and the COVID-19 pandemic, construction officially began in late 2020, with a target completion date of end-2026.
The project spans 4 kilometers, with approximately 2.7 km in Malaysia and 1.3 km in Singapore. Each country is responsible for the development of infrastructure within its borders. The Johor terminus is located at Bukit Chagar, while the Singapore terminus connects to the existing Thomson-East Coast MRT Line at Woodlands North station.
The system will be operated by RTS Operations (RTSO), a joint venture between Prasarana Malaysia and Singapore’s SMRT Corporation. Interfacing tests will be conducted between various railway systems, including signalling, platform screen doors, and communications infrastructure now that the new four car RTS train has been delivered to the Singapore Rail Test Centre for off-site systems integration testing.
The Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link, now more than 56% complete in systems integration and with over 65% of tracks laid. The unveiling of the first CRRC-built driverless train on June 30, followed by its multi-month testing at the Singapore Rail Test Centre from July, marks a transition into a new technical phase. Moving forward, the focus will shift to off-site integration testing through Quarter 4 2025, followed by on-track testing into Quarter 3 2026.
Chelsea covers business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Chelsea Low.
