In a significant milestone for cross-border travel, the long-awaited Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link connecting Johor Bahru (JB) and Singapore is on track to open in December 2026. This much-anticipated project promises to slash travel times and ease congestion at the Causeway, offering a seamless, five-minute train journey between Bukit Chagar in JB and Woodlands North in Singapore.
The inaugural train was unveiled during a ceremony at the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) on June 30, attended by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow and Malaysia’s Minister of Transport Anthony Loke. Manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRC), each RTS train is designed to accommodate over 600 passengers, with a peak hourly capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per direction — a major boost to daily cross-border commuting.
Fast, Frequent, and Convenient Travel
Train services will start at 6am and run until midnight daily, with the shortest intervals between trains at just 3.6 minutes, ensuring a high-frequency service that caters to peak hour crowds. The efficient five-minute journey time is expected to attract commuters who currently rely on buses or private vehicles, which are often delayed by heavy traffic at the Woodlands Checkpoint.
A total of eight trains are planned for the service launch in December 2026. This high-capacity, high-frequency setup is expected to transform travel patterns between Singapore and Johor Bahru, enhancing connectivity for work, leisure, and shopping trips. It also presents a more environmentally friendly alternative to private car use, aligning with both nations’ sustainability goals.
Testing Phase Underway Before Service Launch
Off-site systems integration testing is currently underway at the SRTC. This crucial phase involves ensuring the new trains operate seamlessly with essential systems such as signalling, platform screen doors, and on-board communications. Officials expect testing to conclude by the fourth quarter of 2025, giving both countries a year to fine-tune operations before opening day.
The RTS Link has been years in the making and faced delays, but with both Singapore and Malaysia reaffirming commitment, commuters are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Once operational, the link is expected to significantly reduce congestion at the Causeway, benefiting the estimated 300,000 people who cross the border daily.
This development represents a new era for regional connectivity, promising greater convenience, reduced travel times, and an improved commuting experience for everyone travelling between Singapore and Johor Bahru.