Why the new RTS won’t make me visit JB more often

The new Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, set to launch in February 2027, promises to cut travel time between the two cities to just five minutes, allowing residents to visit more frequently. However, despite the potential cost savings and access to unique experiences, the author of this piece explains why she won't be utilizing the new service.

The author finds that the allure of cheaper food, medicine, and beauty services in Johor Bahru (JB) is outweighed by the time commitment required. While the cross-border rail service can carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour, the author notes that a journey between the cities still takes around two hours, factoring in travel time and transportation to and from the respective terminus stations.

The author's decision not to rely on the RTS link is also driven by the priority she places on spending time with family and friends. As a working adult, she finds that weekends are a crucial time for socializing, and visiting JB would limit her ability to spend quality time with loved ones. Additionally, the author emphasizes that the financial benefits of visiting JB are not as significant as the value she places on personal connections and leisure time.

The loss of time due to travel and visits to JB is further emphasized by a recent personal experience involving her father's injury, which highlighted the preciousness of time spent with loved ones. The author concludes that while trying to save money is a natural instinct, it's crucial to remember that time with family and friends is irreplaceable, and she hopes not to lose sight of that in her pursuit of financial security.