JB-Singapore transit link delayed to mid-February

The Johor Bahru-Singapore light rail project, which will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, has experienced a delay, now set to commence passenger services in mid-February 2027 – approximately two months later than initially planned. The extension in the launch date is attributed to the need for safety certification and regulatory approval.

RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), the operator of the transit system, announced that all system tests and trial runs are expected to be completed by December 31, according to Bernama's report. The RTS Link is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with a journey time of about five minutes between the two stations.

Despite physical infrastructure work remaining on schedule, the delay is due to system integration issues, according to Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook. He stated that certification from safety experts and regulators in both Malaysia and Singapore is required, leading to a slight delay. To mitigate the impact, a dedicated bus hub will be established near Bukit Chagar station, with pedestrian connecting bridges built for bus and rail commuters.

Additionally, a direct link bridge will be constructed from the JB Sentral KTM platform to the RTS station, eliminating the current 800-meter walkway for rail commuters.