The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) is a cross-border rapid transit system that will connect Woodlands in Singapore to Johor Bahru in Malaysia, crossing the Straits of Johor. The new RTS link aims to ease traffic congestion on the Johor-Singapore Causeway and enhance connectivity between the two nations. It has the capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. On January 22, 2021, the groundbreaking ceremony in Singapore was held to start the construction of the RTS link. Malaysia had its groundbreaking ceremony on Nov 22, 2020.
Woodlands North Station of RTS Link – 10x the Size of Typical MRT Station
Woodlands North Station in the RTS Link in Singapore will be about 10 times the size of a typical Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. The station will be constructed underground at a maximum depth of 28 metres. The size of the station will be larger than other MRT stations because it will include a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) building, where commuters from both Singapore and Malaysia can clear with just one stop. The station will be adjacent to the Woodlands North MRT station in the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and connected via an underground concourse.
“This is a significant bilateral project between Singapore and Malaysia, that will benefit both our peoples, and help ease congestion on the Causeway,” said Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung.
Once completed, the RTS rail link will be operated by RTS Operations, a joint venture (JV) Singapore’s SMRT Corporation and formed by Prasarana Malaysia, for 30 years. The JV agreement was digitally signed by Group CEO of Prasarana Mr Encik Muhammad Nizam Alias, SMRT CEO Mr Neo Kian Hong, and SMRT Chairman of RTS Operations Mr Yang Berbahagia Datuk Syed Mohamed bin Syed Ibrahim in July 2020. The signing was witnessed by SMRT Chairman Mr Seah Moon Ming and Group Chairman of Prasarana Mr Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Haji Tajuddin Bin Abdul Rahman.
Conclusion
The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link is a big project for both countries and involves many stakeholders. The Land Transport Authority in Singapore, the governments of both countries, and the operators are working together to ensure timely completion of the RTS Link project.
Singapore Train 