Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link timeline: A project 16 years in the making
A look back at the more than 16-year journey of the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link.
The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, a cross-border rail project first announced more than 16 years ago, is set to begin passenger services in February 2027. The latest delay adds to the project's history of changes and setbacks. Initially expected to open by the end of 2024 or 2026, the project has undergone several adjustments.
In 2010, Singapore and Malaysia announced plans for a rapid transit system that would include a single co-located customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) facility in Singapore. The terminus stations were initially planned near Republic Polytechnic in Singapore and JB Sentral in Malaysia. In 2017, the project's target operational date was pushed to the end of 2024, and agreements were signed between Singapore's SMRT and Malaysia's Prasarana Malaysia to operate the rail line.
In July 2020, the project was officially resumed, with the start date for operations pushed to the end of 2026. The RTS would be a standalone Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, no longer utilizing the Thomson-East Coast Line MRT network as initially planned. A significant milestone was reached in January 2024 when approximately 65% of structural works for the RTS Link in both countries were completed. The first train for the RTS Link was unveiled at the 2025 Leaders Retreat in January.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link passenger service delayed to February 2027 channelnewsasia.com
