KUALA LUMPUR: A commercial hub for shops will be built at Bukit Chagar station's Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link connecting Johor Baru and Singapore, says the Transport Ministry.
The ministry said that applications to do business at the hub would be opened to the public at a later date.
It also mentioned that additional parking spaces for vehicles and commuter services will be provided for the station to enhance its accessibility and usage.
"The planned multi-level park-and-ride facility at Bukit Chagar station will have 1,000 additional motorcycle parking spaces, adding to the previously announced 1,500 car parking spaces.
The connecting main streets to the station's ICQ Complex and Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) are also currently undergoing upgrade works to facilitate easier access," the ministry said in a Parliamentary written reply on Tuesday (Nov 5).
Additional commuter services for the upcoming Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-tracking rail project expected to launch later this month are also planned as part of the ministry's strategy to support the RTS Link and alleviate traffic congestion in Johor Bahru.
To this end, the ministry added it would enhance the existing free myBAS stage bus service with the introduction of myBAS JB 2.0. This will include more buses and routes, including those to Bukit Chagar station.
The ministry was responding to a question from Suhaizan Kayat (Pakatan-Pulai) about its plans to avoid traffic congestion and provide economic opportunities for small traders in areas around the RTS station.
According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke in August, the construction of the RTS Link between Johor Bahru and Singapore is expected to be completed by January 2027.
