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Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project is resumed with four key changes

Singapore, 4 August 2020 — the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Project is now running after being suspended since 1 April 2019 at Malaysia’s request, to allow some time for Malaysia to review the project.

Singapore and Malaysia have discussed and agreed on the following key changes to the project:

  • The RTS Link will be a standalone Light Rail Transit (LRT) System, instead of leveraging the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The RTS Link’s capacity remains unchanged at up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction.
  • The RTS Link will no longer use the existing TEL Mandai Depot; a new depot will be constructed in Wadi Hana, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
  • Each government has separately appointed an infrastructure company (InfraCo) to fund, build, own, maintain and renew the civil infrastructure and stations in its territory up to the international boundary. Malaysia has changed its InfraCo from Prasarana Malaysia Berhad to Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd. Meanwhile, Singapore’s InfraCo remains as The Land Transport Authority.
  • Due to the suspension of the project and the above changes, the targeted passenger service commencement date will be deferred from end 2024 to end 2026.

The RTS Link will continue to feature co-location of customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) facilities, so that passengers undergo CIQ clearance only once at their point of departure. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that the RTS Link stations will be well integrated with the local transport networks in each country. The fare levels will continue to be set by the operating company and will be determined closer to the date of passenger service commencement.

Quoting the Singapore-Malaysia joint statement, “The successful resumption of the RTS Link Project underscores the deep and enduring bilateral relationship between both countries, and the collective desire to strengthen a win-win partnership. When completed, the RTS Link will ease the Causeway’s congestion, improve connectivity, foster people-to-people ties and generate shared economic and social benefits.”

Also read:   Johor-Singapore RTS Link is still under negotiation

Johor-Singapore RTS link extended by three months for the final time

 

– Construction+ Online