The RTS project remains a priority for both countries considering the heavy traffic congestion at the Causeway. The RTS Link, when completed, will make a significant difference to commuters’ experience, being able to transport up to 10,000 passengers per direction per hour.
Singapore and Malaysia are working on a supplemental agreement to put in place a six-month suspension of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS) project.
Singapore Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan revealed that attorney generals and other officials from the two countries are involved in drafting the agreement, reported Channel NewsAsia.
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“We will approach this issue as we did for the suspension of the High-Speed Rail project, with goodwill and reasonable accommodation,” said Khaw.
He underscored that the RTS project is “an especially important priority area” considering the heavy traffic congestion at the Causeway.
“The RTS Link, when completed, will make a significant difference to commuters’ experience, being able to transport up to 10,000 passengers per direction per hour,” noted Khaw, adding that Malaysia requested the suspension to enable it to review key parameters.
Meanwhile, his Malaysian counterpart Anthony Loke said some cost will be incurred by Malaysia, although the exact amount is still unknown.
“Yes, there is some cost involved but I cannot tell you what is the exact cost right now because that is to be determined by the review and the AG chambers will draft the supplementary agreement,” said Loke. “More details will be announced once we finalise that.”
Set to connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands, the RTS Link was supposed to be completed by 2024 but is behind schedule due to Malaysia’s repeated delays in confirming its joint venture partner.
But while the project has been suspended, the two countries are working towards lowering the ticket fare to encourage more commuters to use the RTS once completed, noted Loke.
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Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
