RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), the operator of RTS Link, announced today that Systems Works on the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link are progressing well. Slated to be completed by end 2026, the RTS Link will provide better and faster connectivity for communities living and working on both sides of the Causeway.

YBhg. Datuk Mohd Farid bin Mohd Adnan, Chairman, RTSO, said: “We understand the strategic importance of the RTS Link in bringing about significant economic and social benefits on both sides of the Causeway, which not long ago was one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. Together with CEO Mr Shamsul Rizal Md Yusof, who came onboard in September 2020, the RTSO board and management are fully committed to deliver the RTS project despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For the almost 300,000 people who cross the Malaysian-Singapore border daily for work, their journey on the 4km light rail line from one country to the other is expected to take only five minutes, excluding customs clearance. RTS Link has an estimated capacity to transport up to 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction.

Mr Yap Kim Wah, Vice Chairman, RTSO, said: “This important bilateral project will deepen the already warm and friendly commercial, cultural and people-to-people ties between our two countries. The good progress made on the RTS Link project is a testament to the close collaboration among all parties. When it is completed, RTS Link passengers arriving from Johor Bahru can look forward to a seamless connection to other parts of Singapore through the Woodlands North Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line.”

RTSO recently awarded nine contracts worth a total of approximately RM1 billion. Four of the contracts are for core systems. CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd was awarded the contract for Rolling Stock. Siemens Mobility Sdn Bhd and Siemens Mobility Pte Ltd were awarded the contract for Signalling and Platform Screen Doors. Sapura Rail Systems Sdn Bhd was awarded the contract for the remaining two core systems: the Communications System and the Integrated Supervisory Control System. Details of the remaining five contracts (non-core systems) can be found in the Annex.

Earlier on, a systems consultancy contract was awarded to engineering firm CH2M Services Sdn Bhd to deliver consultancy services for the design, manufacturing, delivery, testing and commissioning of all systems for the RTS line.

Mr Shamsul Rizal Md Yusof, Chief Executive Officer, RTSO, said: “We are pleased with the outcome of the tender exercise. There is a good mix of local and international players working together to make the RTS Link a success.”

RTSO is the joint venture company formed in 2020 by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) and SMRT Corporation Ltd (SMRT). A Singapore incorporated company, RTSO will own, design, build, finance and manage the RTS Link operating assets including trains, tracks and systems. This company will also operate and maintain the rail line between Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Woodlands North in Singapore, including the Wadi Hana depot in Johor Bahru.