Singaporeans who frequently travel to Johor Bahru via the KTM Shuttle Tebrau may need to start planning alternative transport soon. Malaysia has officially announced that the popular cross-border train service will be discontinued six months after the launch of the new Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is scheduled to open on 1 January 2027.
According to Johor state executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, the discontinuation of the KTM service is part of an effort to streamline and enhance connectivity between the two nations. The current Shuttle Tebrau service, which runs between Woodlands Train Checkpoint and Johor Bahru Sentral, will cease to operate by mid-2027.
RTS Link to Offer Faster, More Efficient Border Commute
The RTS Link is expected to revolutionise how commuters travel across the Singapore–Malaysia border. With the ability to transport up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction and trains arriving at intervals of every 3.6 minutes during peak hours, the new system will significantly increase capacity compared to the existing KTM line.
The new RTS line will span 4 kilometres, connecting Woodlands North station in Singapore directly to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru. The journey is expected to take just six minutes, making it one of the fastest public transport options for cross-border travel. Operating hours will run daily from 6:00 AM to midnight, catering to early morning commuters and late-night returnees.
KTM Trains to Be Redeployed for Domestic Services
While the Shuttle Tebrau will no longer serve the Singapore-JB route, the KTM trains will not be retired. Instead, they will be redirected to boost domestic rail services between Johor Bahru Sentral and Kempas Baru—an area gaining attention as a growing suburban node. The redeployment aims to improve local train frequency and reduce congestion within Johor.
Currently, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau completes 31 daily trips in both directions, carrying around 8,600 passengers per day. Ticket prices are highly affordable—just RM5 (S$1.50) from Malaysia to Singapore, and S$5 in the reverse direction. The service has been operational since July 2015, becoming a staple for Malaysian workers and Singaporean shoppers alike.
What Commuters Need to Know Before the Switch
The end of the KTM service may mark the close of an era, but the RTS Link represents a leap forward in public transportation between Singapore and Malaysia. Commuters can expect shorter travel times, increased capacity, and modern infrastructure, potentially boosting tourism and economic interaction.
As completion draws near, officials are expected to release more detailed information regarding ticketing systems, fare integration, and immigration procedures, all of which will play a critical role in ensuring a smooth transition.