
Finding the right fare for RTS link
'We hope that with the right price mechanism in place, we can encourage more people to use the RTS Link.
'The whole idea of the project is to make a modal shift for people to use public transport to cross the Causeway,' he said at a joint press conference with his Singaporean counterpart here yesterday to unveil the first of the eight train sets that will be used for the cross-border service that is expected to commence by Jan 1, 2027.
The decision on the fare will be made by RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), the joint venture company formed between Malaysia's Prasarana RTS Operations Sdn Bhd and SMRT RTS Pte Ltd to operate the RTS Link service.
The 4km route from Bukit Chagar in Johor to Woodlands North in Singapore will be served by eight train sets manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd.
Singapore was represented at the event held at the Singapore Rail Testing Centre (SRTC) near Tuas by its acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.
Loke also said an open payment system is also expected to be introduced to provide greater convenience.
'We should have multiple modes of payment, like credit or debit cards, as well as Touch 'n Go,' he said.
On the RTS Link's operating hours, Loke said the matter will be addressed closer to the opening date, though he quickly ruled out round-the-clock operations, citing the need for scheduled maintenance.
Moving colours: The RTS Link four-car train set has a white livery with red and blue accents – inspired by the colours of the Malaysia, Johor and Singapore flags. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
'But we also understand that those staying in Johor travel to Singapore even before 5am for work,' he said.
Meanwhile, Siow said Singapore has no plans to reduce the frequency of bus services even after the RTS Link commences.
'We want to give commuters as many opportunities as possible to take public transport,' he added.
The Causeway, which sees more than 300,000 daily commuters, is currently one of the busiest border crossings in the world.
In a joint statement from the two ministries, it was announced that offsite systems integration testing for the first train set is scheduled to occur at SRTC over the coming months.
Trains 02, 03, 04 and 05 have been delivered to CRRC's train facility in Batu Gajah, Perak, for assembly.
This process will be replicated for Trains 06, 07 and 08, where, upon completion, the train sets will be transferred to the Wadi Hana Depot in Johor Baru for further testing and final preparations before being commissioned.
The four-car train set has a white livery with red and blue accents – inspired by the colours of the Malaysia, Johor and Singapore flags.
Each train set, measuring 76.4m in total, can be packed with up to 1,087 passengers each to enable the RTS service to move up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction.
As of June 30, the RTS Link's system works are 56% complete.
This includes trackwork, rolling stock (the trains), traction power, and the integration of signalling, communications, and control systems.
Trackworks are expected to be completed by the end of this month, while the installation of the traction power supply equipment is currently in progress.
Throughout July and August, key activities include the inspection, testing and commissioning of the traction power supply, including intertripping and interlocking systems.
These works are essential to ensure the readiness of the power supply system to support train testing activities at Wadi Hana in September.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MACC opens investigation paper into Singaporean tycoon over Sabah mining scandal
KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened an investigation paper into a Singaporean tycoon believed to be linked to the Sabah mineral mining corruption scandal. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said he had instructed MACC Sabah to carry out a thorough investigation into the case. "We opened the investigation paper yesterday involving the Singaporean businessman. "I have directed MACC Sabah to conduct further investigations," he told a press conference after witnessing the handing over of duties between outgoing state MACC director Rosli Husain and newly appointed Azmin Yusuff, here today. Azam said the case is expected to involve a large number of witnesses, including new individuals who have not been called in earlier cases. Asked about the number of witnesses summoned in the cases involving Sabah assemblymen, Azam said: "There are too many witnesses. "I can't recall all of them, especially as each investigation paper involves different witnesses. "The latest case involving the Singaporean tycoon will require fresh witnesses, and I believe many will be called," he added. To date, three individuals have been charged in connection with the scandal, two Sabah assemblymen and businessman Albert Tei. Asked whether more individuals will be charged, Azam said that decision lies with the deputy public prosecutor. "There are others still under investigation, but I cannot make any decisions regarding charges. That is up to the prosecution," he said. It was reported yesterday that the MACC is investigating allegations that a Singaporean business tycoon may have acted as a financier in the scandal. Sources said the investigation refers to an article that has gone viral on social media, alleging that the tycoon had channelled funds to several interested parties in the matter. They said the MACC is currently examining information related to the claims and will call several witnesses soon to assist in the investigation. So far, two Sabah assemblymen and a businessman have been charged with corruption linked to the issuance of mineral prospecting licences in the state. All have claimed trial.


The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Jalan Ismail Sultan heading to Stulang closed nightly until July 16
JOHOR BAHRU: Jalan Ismail Sultan heading towards Stulang, will be fully closed to all vehicles nightly from tonight until July 16 to make way for construction works under the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project. In a Facebook post, RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) said the closure will take place daily from 10pm to 5am, with construction expected to take seven hours each night. The affected stretch is after the traffic light junction near the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex and the R&F Mall area, close to GBW Hotel. 'To ease traffic flow, a contraflow will be activated periodically along Jalan Ismail Sultan (heading towards the city centre), allowing vehicles from the CIQ and R&F area travelling to Stulang to use the opposite lane as an alternative route,' the statement read. Motorists are advised to comply with traffic signboards and follow the instructions of flagmen on duty at the site during the closure. For further information, road users can refer to the diversion route map provided by the authorities via RTSO's official Facebook page.


The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Jalan Ismail Sultan heading to Stulang route closed nightly until July 16
JOHOR BARU: The route from Jalan Ismail Sultan heading towards Stulang will be fully closed to all vehicles every night until July 16 to allow construction works under the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project. In a Facebook post, RTS Operations Pte Ltd said the closure will take place every night from 10pm to 5am. The affected stretch is after the traffic light junction near the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex and the R&F Mall area, close to GBW Hotel. "To ease traffic flow, a contraflow lane will be activated periodically along Jalan Ismail Sultan (heading towards the city centre), allowing vehicles from the CIQ and R&F area travelling to Stulang to use the opposite lane as an alternative route," read the statement on Thursday (July 3). Motorists are advised to comply with traffic signboards and follow the instructions of flagmen on duty at the site during the closure. For further information, road users can refer to the diversion route map provided by the authorities via RTSO's official Facebook page. – Bernama