The Johor Bahru - Singapore RTS Link will connect both countries through a viaduct 25m above the Straits of Johor
Milestone completion of The Johor Bahru - Singapore RTS Link's 65% construction
Both Singapore's and Malaysia's Prime Ministers met today on Thursday 11 Jan 2024 to mark the milestone completion of 65% construction on both the Singapore side and the Malaysian side of the Johor Bahru - Singapore RTS Link connecting both countries to ease traffic congestion on the Causeway which is known globally as one of the world's busiest border crossings.
The Johor Bahru - Singapore RTS Link tunnels will connect to a viaduct 25m above the Straits of Johor, bridging the Woodlands North station in Singapore to the Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru which is expected to serve an estimated 10,000 passengers per hour each way on a journey that takes about five minutes to help ease traffic congestion on the Causeway.
The CIQ (customs, immigration, quarantine) facilities of both countries will be co-located at the Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar stations, which means passengers only need to clear immigration authorities once - at their point of departure.
Estimated to cost RM10 billion (US$2.15 billion) with Singapore footing 61 per cent of the bill, this landmark project will cement the friendship between both countries further. Based on the progress achieved on both sides, we may expect the upcoming Johor Bahru - Singapore RTS Link to be ready for commencing passenger services by the end of 2026.
The Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signed commemorative plaques symbolising a shared commitment to The Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. This rail link project that improves connectivity between Johor Bahru in Malaysia to Woodlands in Singapore will be expected to benefit both countries in terms of:
Enhanced Connectivity:
The Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link aims to enhance transportation connectivity between Johor Bahru and Singapore, making it easier for people to travel between the two locations for work, leisure or other purposes.
Reduced Traffic Congestion:
The Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link provides an alternative mode of transportation to help alleviate road congestion at the Johor-Singapore Causeway which is a busy crossing point for vehicles traveling between the two countries.
Time Savings:
The Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is designed to offer a faster and more efficient mode of travel compared to road transport. Commuters could potentially save time on their daily journeys, especially during peak hours.
Economic Benefits:
Improved connectivity is expected to contribute to both countries' economic growth by facilitating the movement of people and goods. The Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link could stimulate economic activities on both sides of the border.
Environmental Impact:
Promoting the use of public transportation, such as The Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link can have positive environmental effects by reducing the reliance on private vehicles and reduce both countries' overall carbon emissions.
Cross-Border Collaboration:
The Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link represents a critical collaborative effort between Malaysia and Singapore, fostering deeper diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
Integrated Transport Systems:
The Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project may contribute to the development of integrated transport systems in both Johor Bahru and Singapore, providing seamless connections between various modes of transportation in future.
Will More Singaporeans Consider Moving To Johor?
Johor, Malaysia is generally known for having a lower cost of living compared to Singapore. Individuals or families may find that housing, goods and services are more affordable in Johor when compared to Singapore. The property market in Johor might offer more affordable options compared to Singapore and some Singaporeans may consider relocating to Johor for housing opportunities that are more within their budget.
Singaporeans will have to consider the quality of life they can achieve in Johor compared to Singapore, e.g. lifestyle, safety, amenities, educational, recreational as well as work opportunities in their decision to move their families from Singapore to stay in Johor.
"Proximity to workplaces in Singapore and the ease of commuting will be a crucial factor of consideration. Once operational, the Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link could increase the convenience of commuting between Johor and Singapore. Once completed, the Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link may be seen as a 'cooling measure' for the property market in Singapore," said real estate consultant Kiwi Lim.
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