JB-S'pore RTS Link on track despite War on Iran, trip fares to be proposed soon: M'sia minister Loke

The progress and estimated costs of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) have not been affected by the ongoing energy crisis, according to Malaysia's transport minister Anthony Loke.

He told Malaysian media on Apr. 3 that the project remains on schedule for its launch in January 2027, Malay Mail reported.

There have also been no requests for cost revisions from contractors despite prevailing economic uncertainties.

"So far, I am confident that costs remain within original estimates," Loke said.

As of Dec. 31, 2023, the total cost of the project was estimated to be RM5.24 billion (S$1.67 billion).

Progress updates

On the progress of the cross-border rail link, Loke shared that physical construction is nearly finished.

The project has transitioned to the next phases, system installation and integration testing, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Loke believes that they will move on to the Final Field Readiness (FFR) stage as early as September, paving the way for the project's launch target by the end of 2026.

The RTS Link will have 100 e-gate lanes, which have been fully installed.

The team has also started setting up body screening equipment and baggage scanners, two months ahead of the original May schedule.

Train testing, which began in December 2025, will continue in stages until full operations commence, Loke added.

He will be visiting Singapore later in April to meet his counterpart and inspect progress at Woodlands North Station.

When operational, the train will carry passengers between Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore, with an estimated travel time of about five minutes.

Fares to be proposed internally soon

In February, Loke said that RTS Link train fares will likely cost around S$5 to S$7 (RM15.50 to RM21.70) per one-way trip.

The specific rates will be announced later in 2026.

Providing updates on Apr. 3, he shared that the rail’s operator, RTS Operations (RTSO), is expected to present the proposed rates in the third quarter of 2026.

Only after they obtain agreement from both governments through Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency and Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, can the fares be announced to the public.

Loke said that the Malaysian government will look into providing subsidies to offer seasons passes to Malaysians who frequently travel across the border.

"For our part, we are not going to subsidise foreigners. I am sure Singapore will also do the same," he added, as quoted by The Star.

Top images from SMRT and RTSO's Facebook