Johor-Singapore RTS Link: More Than Just a Train Ride Across the Causeway

Johor-Singapore RTS Link: More Than Just a Train Ride Across the Causeway

Latest news about the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link? Read all about it in the article below. Latest news is that it will start in February 2027. Well, still very early into 2027, so lots of time for people to use for 10 months in 2027 itself. I do wonder what would be the total passenger numbers in the first few months. If you ask me, I do think it will do very well. I am just looking at cars driving into Malaysia every time there’s a holiday to tell you why I think so. Read on.

Article in thestar.com.my Johor is maintaining its preparations for the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, with passenger services expected to begin in February 2027, despite the resignation of Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Johor state executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the state plans to conduct a dry run in December to assess passenger movements and public transport arrangements ahead of the opening. Johor is also waiting for additional buses under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme to improve connectivity. Fazli expressed hope that Loke’s departure would not disrupt major transport initiatives planned jointly by the state and the Transport Ministry, particularly the RTS Link and SBST programme. The February 2027 commencement target remains in place, although the service still requires the completion of testing, independent safety certification and final regulatory approvals from both Malaysia and Singapore. Article in thestar.com.my

Imagine being able to travel from Johor Bahru to Singapore and vice-versa by train in just 10 minutes?

Connected to the MRT stations in Singapore. No need to drive. (Over 90 percent of Singaporeans do not own a car) No need to sit in a long queue of cars. No need to worry about finding car parks, whether in Singapore (super high parking fee) or in JB (super hard to get a car parking space during peak hours).

This is what the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link promises.

According to a report by The Star on November 11, Johor is maintaining its preparations for the RTS Link, with passenger services expected to begin in February 2027. This remains the target despite the resignation of Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Johor state executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the state is planning a dry run in December to assess passenger movements and public transport arrangements. Johor is also awaiting additional buses under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme.

He expressed hope that the change in leadership at the Transport Ministry would not disrupt the important transport initiatives already planned.

Of course, the February 2027 target is still subject to the completion of testing, independent safety certification and final regulatory approvals from both countries.

But why is the RTS Link so important?

I believe its benefits go far beyond simply making travel between Johor and Singapore more convenient.

1. More visitors, more spending and more business opportunities

Let’s start with the most obvious economic benefit.

More Singaporeans can visit Johor Bahru more easily. When travelling becomes more convenient, people may be more willing to make short trips across the border.

Think about it. A Singaporean who does not drive may currently find travelling to Johor less convenient. They may need to depend on buses, taxis or friends who drive.

With the RTS Link, visiting Johor becomes a much more attractive option.

More visitors mean more potential customers for shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, hotels, entertainment centres and other businesses.

A study cited by Channel NewsAsia projected that Singapore residents could spend an additional S$1.05 billion annually in Johor Bahru after the RTS Link opens. The same study projected an additional S$756 million in spending by Johor Bahru visitors in Singapore.

These are projections, not guaranteed outcomes, but they give us an idea of the potential economic impact.

2. More jobs for Malaysians

When businesses receive more customers, they may need more employees.

Hotels need more housekeeping staff. Restaurants need more service crews. Shopping malls need more retail assistants. Tourist attractions need more workers.

There could also be more opportunities in logistics, transportation, security, cleaning and other supporting services.

The benefits may not be limited to Johor Bahru city centre. Businesses in surrounding areas could also benefit if visitors travel further into Johor.

More economic activity creates opportunities for people to earn an income. And when more people have jobs and income, they have more purchasing power to support other businesses.

This is how an infrastructure project can create a wider economic impact.

3. Greater opportunities for Malaysian businesses

The RTS Link could also help Malaysian businesses reach a larger customer market.

A Singaporean who visits Johor may discover a local restaurant, beauty salon, medical service provider or retail business that they would never have considered travelling to previously.

Some may return regularly. Others may recommend these businesses to friends and family.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, this could be particularly useful.

A small business does not necessarily need to open a branch in Singapore to attract Singaporean customers. Sometimes, making it easier for customers to travel to Malaysia is already a significant advantage.

4. Better connectivity can support property and investment activity

Whenever transport connectivity improves, the surrounding areas may become more attractive for businesses and residents.

The RTS Link connects Woodlands North in Singapore with Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru. This makes areas with convenient access to the station potentially more attractive to people who frequently travel between the two countries.

There could be greater interest in residential properties, commercial spaces, offices and hospitality developments.

However, let’s be realistic. Not every property near the RTS station will automatically become a good investment. Buyers still need to consider pricing, demand, accessibility and the actual benefits of the location.

Still, better connectivity is one important factor that can support long-term economic activity.

5. Less dependence on private cars

Another important benefit is that the RTS Link provides an alternative to driving across the Causeway.

This matters because not everyone owns a car. Even those who do may prefer not to drive into Singapore because of traffic, parking costs and other expenses.

A reliable cross-border rail service could reduce some of the pressure on road crossings and encourage more people to use public transport.

Of course, the train is only one part of the journey. Johor must also ensure that passengers can travel conveniently from Bukit Chagar to other parts of the city through feeder buses, pedestrian links and other public transport connections.

This is why the SBST programme and the planned dry run mentioned in The Star report are important too.

Welcome, Singaporeans!

I think the RTS Link should be seen as more than just a transport project. It is an opportunity to strengthen the economic relationship between Johor and Singapore.

We welcome more Singaporeans to visit Malaysia, enjoy our food, explore our shopping malls, stay in our hotels and discover more of what Johor has to offer. Of course, Malaysians could also visit Singapore via the RTS too. Expensive a little lah with the currency exchange but okay, we should visit Singapore.

And yes, especially those Singaporeans who do not drive!

You no longer need to depend on someone with a car to bring you across the border. Just take the train, arrive in Johor Bahru and enjoy what Malaysia has to offer.

More visitors, more spending, more business opportunities and more jobs for Malaysians.

Now, that is a train service worth looking forward to!

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