As RTS Link nears completion, how ready are both sides?

As the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link nears completion, questions arise about the readiness of both sides. Malaysia has been more communicative about its progress, while Singapore has provided updates around major milestones. However, commuters on both sides would benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of the project's readiness.

Currently, Malaysia reports that rail-system works have reached around 56%, but the less visible aspects of the railway project are less publicly known. It is unclear how much work remains at Woodlands North, how far systems integration has progressed, and what testing has been completed. The readiness of co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine facilities and full passenger-flow simulations is also unknown.

Singapore's transport ministry has stated that passenger service is targeted for the end of 2026. The project is often viewed as two separate construction projects, but in reality, there will only be one railway when operations begin. Malaysia and Singapore should consider sharing more information about the readiness of major work streams, such as civil infrastructure, rail systems, trains, integrated testing, Customs, Immigration and Quarantine preparation, staff readiness, and emergency exercises.

Providing commuters with this information would help them understand where the railway stands as a single system. The focus should be on whether the railway itself is ready rather than merely the completion percentage. Additionally, seeing the current state of Woodlands North, including station facilities and ongoing testing, would be beneficial.

The RTS could significantly impact living, working, and traveling patterns, as well as the economic relationship between Johor and Singapore. As the opening approaches, it is reasonable to question how ready the railway is for passenger service.