THE Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is more than just a cross-border rail project; it represents a step towards transforming Johor Baru into a more liveable and connected city, says a transport, mobility and logistics specialist.
MDS Consultancy Group managing director Dr Rosli Azad Khan described RTS Link as a symbol of trust and cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, designed to ease congestion for the estimated 350,000 people crossing the Causeway daily.
“The project should go beyond improving connectivity, by enhancing overall urban liveability.
“There is a need for predictable and efficient commuting systems, supported by traffic flow optimisation, smart ticketing technology and real-time information, to ensure smooth operations.
“Success will depend on strong collaboration between public agencies, private sector players and the community,” he said in his presentation titled “RTS 2026: Unlocking Johor CBD Opportunities” at a workshop organised by Johor Corporation in Johor Baru.
“Cities such as London, Tokyo, New York and our neighbour Singapore have managed high-density commuting not just through rail systems, but by building strong supporting networks.
“These cities succeed because buses run on time, interchanges are efficient and first-mile and last-mile connections are seamless, including dedicated bus lanes and multimodal transport systems,” he said.
With RTS Link expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour each way, Rosli said the project presented a major opportunity for Johor Baru to rethink urban mobility and intra-city movement.
He added that Bukit Chagar station and Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex should be reimagined as a key gateway where journeys begin and intersect, stressing that its success would depend on how well passengers could connect to other transport options.
According to news reports, the Bukit Chagar ICQ will include a 1,500-bay park-and-ride facility, offering both standard and premium parking.
Another 700 RTS-designated parking bays would be provided at nearby Coronation Square.
Rosli pointed out that passengers arriving at Bukit Chagar would come from Permas Jaya, Pasir Gudang, Skudai, Larkin and Tebrau, as well as from outside the city, while those arriving from Singapore will disperse across Johor Baru for work and leisure.
“Having RTS Link ready is the first step. The next is to ensure that the benefits of this investment are fully realised across the wider urban landscape through thoughtful planning of traffic flow, pedestrian access and multimodal integration.”
He noted that Johor had already demonstrated bold planning through initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, and RTS Link offered an opportunity to complement that vision with a reliable, efficient and inclusive transport system.
“In doing so, we will not only ease congestion on the Causeway but also elevate Johor Baru into a city that people choose... not just to pass through, but to live, work and invest in,” he said.
Earlier this week, the link’s operator RTS Operations Pte Ltd announced that the RM5.24bil project was one step closer to completion, with successful high-speed multi-train testing completed.
It said the project hit the key milestone after multiple trains operated simultaneously at higher speeds on April 24.
In a Facebook post, it said key systems, including regenerative braking, were also validated under strict safety protocols.
“This is part of a broader testing journey, with more phases ahead as we continue strengthening system safety and performance towards system readiness,” the RTS Link operator said.
