RTS Link Delay Necessary to Ensure Smooth Operations

JOHOR BARU, Oct 8 — The one-month delay in the opening of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is necessary to ensure smooth and trouble-free operations, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

He stressed that the cross-border rail project remains on track for completion by Dec 31, with public services now expected to commence in February following final evaluations and regulatory approvals from both Malaysia and Singapore.

According to Loke, the additional time will allow for assessments by independent safety consultants as well as technical approvals from Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) and Singapore’s Land Transport Authority.

RTS Link

The revised timeline was agreed upon after discussions with Singaporean authorities to avoid unnecessary risks associated with rushing a major public transport project.

“We do not want to rush without a comprehensive assessment, which could result in technical problems,” he said during an event to mark the expansion of the BAS.MY Johor Baru stage bus service on Thursday.

Loke said most physical construction work, including the station and Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities, had been completed, with the remaining months dedicated to testing and commissioning.

He added that measures are being introduced to improve traffic dispersal ahead of the RTS launch, including 230 additional BAS.MY buses, improved pedestrian connectivity and future public transport upgrades in Johor Bahru.

Keywords: RTS Link, Anthony Loke, Johor Bahru, Singapore, public transport

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