JOHOR BARU: The proposed fare for the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) is expected to be presented to both the Malaysian and Singapore governments in the third quarter of this year, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the operator, RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), would present the proposed rates.
"The presentation is to obtain agreement from both governments through the Land Public Transport Agency in Malaysia and the Land Transport Authority in Singapore before the fares can be announced to the public," he said at a media briefing at the project site on Friday (April 3).
Asked whether a season pass would be introduced to provide a fixed fare for frequent cross-border travellers, Loke said the government welcomes proposals for such passes but it must be commercially viable.
"Based on our experience, a season pass for public transportation services usually involves government subsidies and we will look at how we can help Malaysians.
"For our side, we are not going to subsidise foreigners, and I am sure that Singapore, (if it were to introduce a season pass), will also do the same (for its citizens)," he said.
He said discussions about such passes have to be held with RTSO, a joint venture between Malaysia and Singapore, as the rail services involve international travel.
"They have to ensure the revenue can cover the expenses, therefore any type of season pass must be commercially viable," he added.
Previously, MCA president and Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong proposed a RM300 monthly RTS Link pass for commuters travelling daily between Johor and Singapore.
The RTS Link is a railway shuttle link approximately 4km in length with two stations, one in Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru and one in Woodlands, Singapore.
The service will have a capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction and an expected ridership of about 40,000 passengers per day upon opening on Jan 1 next year.
