Key takeaways from RTS Link ceremony (Johor Bahru-Singapore)

Key takeaways from RTS Link Ceremony today:

1. There will be 3 separate buildings: International CIQ, Transportation Hub (connecting Bus Rapid Transit) and Bukit Chagar RTS station. All buildings will be connected with a bridge.

2. The layout of International CIQ is 4 floors. 2 floors dedicated for Malaysia and Singapore immigration for a seamless border connection. If you depart from Johor Bahru, there is no more immigration checks in Singapore. Everything will be done in the complex.

3. The complex itself is a duty free haven. There will be shops available for sale to local and international companies.

4. The train ride will take 5 minutes from Bukit Chagar to Woodlands North. The train will pass through JB Sentral, Jalan Sultan Ismail (R&F Princess Cove) and finally to Tebrau Straits and Woodlands North station.

5. The train is expected to carry 150,000 ridership daily, cutting 50% of the current commuters from JB to Singapore.

6. The train fare is competitive. The government will issue the price fare prior to the operational date depending on the inflation rate. The fare is said to be subsidised by the government to encourage public to commute.

7. The opening hours is from 6 AM to 12 PM. However, depending on the future demand, the operation hours can be as early as 5 AM.

8. The completion date is scheduled on Dec 2026 with the operational date on Jan 2027. The government confirmed that the construction activities will not be affected by the pandemic. The project will start with civil structure phase this year.

9. The government is opening a facade design competition for Bukit Chagar station to public. The submission starts tomorrow.

10. The project is expected to provide a direct 1,500 job opportunities to local people.

Thank you.

Johor Bahru, 22 Nov 2020