Tina: The opportunities the RTS offers are countless.
BEING based in Johor means witnessing the gradual rise of the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link in all its grandeur.
With operations set to begin by the end of next year, one can’t help but wonder: what will this rail system – connecting Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru, in Malaysia to Woodlands in Singapore – bring for the future?
For youths like me, the opportunities the RTS offers are countless.
Here are a few I’m looking forward to and that I believe are worth noting for all Malaysians.
Fuss-free travel
Day trips will become much more feasible with the elimination of gruelling jams. We’ll be able to travel stress-free between Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North stations in just about five minutes.
Spontaneous trips with friends will be easier, and beyond contributing to reduced emissions, cross-border travel will no longer be a nightmare for those who currently have to wake up at 4am just to get to school or work on either side of the divide.
The Johor-Singapore Causeway will also see less congestion, making it a more appealing route overall.
Quick getaways
Tourist attractions in both countries may want to brace for a spike in visitors, as with the RTS, families can plan outings with less stress, and youths on both sides of the border will gain access to each other’s leisure hotspots – perhaps even for late-night supper runs.
I’m particularly excited about quick weekend getaways for concerts, museums, events, bookstores, or just hanging out at popular shopping destinations.
With such convenience at our fingertips, maybe we’ll finally settle the debate: who really has the best version of our favourite dishes?
New job horizons
The RTS bridges two job markets on either side of the water, opening doors for young Malaysians to experience internships, careers and conferences both here and in Singapore.
With daily commuting becoming a more viable option, opportunities abound – from freelance gigs and barista work to investment and tech roles.
New jobs are also likely to spring up around both ends of the track, fuelling fresh ideas.
Crossing cultures
The cultural exchange encouraged by the RTS will allow youths to share experiences, lifestyles and ideas between Malaysia and Singapore, enriching both nations’ understanding of each other’s traditions, music, fashion and more.
A trip on the RTS will broaden our horizons, serving as a portal to connect with our neighbours and make new friends. Visits to relatives on either side of the strait are also set to become more frequent, filling our homes with warmth.
Growth in motion
Most importantly, the RTS can foster responsibility among youths of all ages.
It will be a training ground for us to take charge of our lives –no longer needing to rely on our parents to drive us across the Causeway.
All in all, we as youths should be prepared to embrace the changes that the RTS will bring. With the promise of affordable transport, we should make the most of it.
But before all that, let’s take a step back to appreciate this modern transport that is set to shape the future of our generation.
Tina, 15, a student in Johor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
