{
  "id": 11596461,
  "title": "RTS Link delay: Commuters, Johor businesses rue missing pre-Chinese New Year boost",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/rts-link-delay-commuters-johor-businesses-rue-missing-pre-chinese-new",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-03T03:47:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/rts-delay-johor-singapore-commuters-frustrated-businesses-6427366"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link is set to launch in February 2027, which may cause it to miss the pre-Chinese New Year travel rush. Some Malaysian commuters, like Razali Tompang, had hoped to use the rail service as a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to their motorcycle commute. The delay has caused frustration for Razali as Singapore has announced higher Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees effective January 1, 2027. The launch is now delayed due to additional testing, safety certification, and regulatory approvals. Both Singapore and Malaysian authorities stated that the RTS Link aims to begin services before Hari Raya Puasa on March 10, 2027. The delay is disappointing for Malaysian motorists who face higher costs to travel into Singapore from January. Some businesses in Johor Bahru regretted missing the Chinese New Year period, as the RTS Link could have attracted more visitors during one of the busiest shopping times of the year. However, some northern Singapore retailers saw a positive side to the delay, as easier access to Johor Bahru could attract more Singapore shoppers. The weeks leading up to Chinese New Year are typically the busiest at the land crossings between Singapore and Malaysia, with over 3 million travellers crossing the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints each year.",
  "summary": "The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link is now expected to launch in February 2027, putting it at risk of missing the busy travel and shopping period before Chinese New Year.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}