Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS

Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transport System (RTS) Link

Connecting Malaysia and Singapore with a Rapid Transit System

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RTS Project Overview

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is a transformative cross-border rail project jointly developed by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Malaysia’s Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp). Spanning approximately 4 kilometres, this modern metro connection will bridge Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North Station in Singapore, creating a new era of seamless travel between the two nations. Once operational, the RTS Link will be capable of carrying up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction, effectively easing congestion at one of the world’s busiest land crossings — the Johor–Singapore Causeway — which currently serves over 300,000 travellers daily by road.

Beyond its technical capabilities, the RTS Link symbolises a deeper spirit of regional cooperation, sustainable urban mobility, and economic integration. Designed as a driverless, high-frequency shuttle service, the system will deliver a quick five-minute journey between stations, offering commuters a reliable alternative to unpredictable road traffic. Passengers will enjoy co-located Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities at both ends, meaning that immigration clearance for both countries can be completed before boarding — resulting in a fully domestic arrival experience.

When completed, the RTS Link will not only shorten commute times but also reshape the cross-border ecosystem. Businesses can expand operations on both sides, workers will gain more flexibility in where they live and work, and tourism will benefit from easier accessibility. The project also aligns with sustainability goals by promoting public transport and reducing vehicular emissions along the Causeway. With its expected commencement of service in December 2026, the RTS Link stands as a cornerstone of the region’s vision for smart, connected, and sustainable urban growth — a link not just between two cities, but between two communities with intertwined futures.

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Cross-Border Connectivity

The RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to Woodlands North in Singapore, featuring a 4km rail shuttle service across the Strait of Johor.

Passenger Capacity

The system is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, significantly easing congestion at the Causeway.

Travel Time

The journey between Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North stations is expected to take approximately 5 minutes, with trains arriving every 4-6 minutes during peak hours.

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Benefits of the RTS Link

The RTS Link will bring significant advantages to commuters, businesses, and both nations.

Reduced Congestion

The RTS Link will help alleviate traffic congestion at the Causeway, which currently sees over 300,000 travelers daily.

Environmental Benefits

By encouraging public transport use, the RTS Link will help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the region.

Time Savings

Commuters will enjoy significantly reduced travel times compared to road transport, especially during peak hours.

Economic Growth

Enhanced connectivity will boost cross-border trade, tourism, and economic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore.

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Project Details

Technical specifications and operational details of the RTS Link project.

Operational Model

The RTS Link will operate as a shuttle service between the two terminals. A joint venture company owned by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and SMRT Corporation Ltd will operate and maintain the RTS Link operating assets, including the trains and facilities.

Alignment

The RTS Link will run approximately 4km between Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North station in Singapore, crossing the Strait of Johor via a high bridge.

Co-located CIQ

Both stations will feature co-located Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities, allowing passengers to clear both countries' border controls at their point of departure.

Rolling Stock

The system will use automated electric multiple units with capacity for approximately 400 passengers per train.

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Project Timeline

Key milestones in the development of the RTS Link project.

2010

Initial discussions between Malaysia and Singapore on cross-border rail connectivity

2018

Signing of the bilateral agreement for the RTS Link project.

2020

Commencement of construction works after the project was suspended and subsequently resumed.

2024

Expected completion of infrastructure works.

2026

Target commencement of passenger service.

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Station Information

Details about the two stations that will form the RTS Link.

Woodlands North Station (Singapore)

Situated in northern Singapore, this station will connect to the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and serve as the Singapore terminus. It will feature:

  • Co-located CIQ facilities for Singapore and Malaysia
  • Seamless interchange with the TEL
  • Bus interchange and taxi stands
  • Commercial and retail facilities

Bukit Chagar Station (Johor Bahru)

Located in the heart of Johor Bahru city center, this station will serve as the Malaysian terminus of the RTS Link. It will feature:

  • Co-located CIQ facilities for Malaysia and Singapore
  • Integration with local bus services and future rail lines
  • Commercial and retail spaces
  • Direct access to JB Sentral transportation hub