January 15, 2018, 06:13 AM 
Singaporeans love Johor Bahru.
We get all excited whenever there's a new arena for shopping and eating opening across the Causeway.
Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat
Hence, here's something Singaporeans should pay attention to: The significance of a high-level meeting taking place on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 15 and 16 in Singapore.
According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press statement on Jan. 14, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will be in town to attend the eighth Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
This is the meeting for PMs on both sides to review the progress of bilateral ties and set the direction ahead.
And this year, they will witness the signing of a bilateral agreement on the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link during the two-day retreat.
Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan and Abdul Rahman Dahlan, Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, will ink the agreement.
With the formal signing of the agreement, a more convenient journey across the Causeway is set to become reality as the construction of a new mode of transport linking the two places will be set in motion.
MFA's statement said:
“The RTS Link will help to boost connectivity, strengthen our economic and business links, and enhance people-to-people relations”
[related_story]
Background: Singapore–Johor Baru Rapid Transit System (RTS)
At their Retreat in May 2010, PM Lee and PM Najib agreed to jointly develop a Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link aimed at enhancing connectivity between Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore.
The link is conceived as a high-volume shuttle service connecting Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Here's what you need to know about the service:
When:
Construction is set to begin next year. Slated to start running by end 2024.
What:
A 4km track which will cross the Johor Strait on a 25m-high bridge.
Where:
- Singapore: Woodlands North station on the Thomson-East Coast Line
- Malaysia: Bukit Chagar station in Johor Baru, close to JB Sentral train station
How:
- Carrying up to 10,000 passengers in each direction, per hour.
- Customs and immigration facilities for both countries will be co-located at both stations.
In July 2017, at the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia, it was announced that passenger service on the RTS Link will begin by December 2024.
In September 2017, SMRT and Prasarana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a joint venture company for the RTS Link.
Related Articles:
Here are unrelated articles you should check out next:
You need to get with the times, both for your bank account and your life
Here are some ways Singaporeans needlessly lose money
Top photo from Getty Images
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.