RTS, a project that connects Johor Bahru to Singapore.
(Source: iProperty)

JOHOR BAHRU – Nine contracts worth approximately RM1 billion were recently awarded to the operator of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) connection, said RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) in a press conference on 12 May 2021.

RTS was originally planned back in May 2010, where the project was first announced and inclusively aimed to complete in late 2026. RTS is currently under construction and set to be the first light speed transit route connecting two countries of South East Asia.

It is a four-kilometer-long cross-border rail project connecting Malaysia and Singapore. The line is designed as a high-volume shuttle service that runs nonstop from Woodlands North station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The project consists of four contracts related to key programs. The Rolling Stock contract was awarded to CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd.

The Signal and Platform Screen Doors contract was awarded to Siemens Mobility Sdn Bhd and Siemens Mobility Pte Ltd.

While the remaining two which are Communications System and Integrated Supervisory Control System, fall into the hands of Sapura Rail Systems Sdn Bhd.

“We are happy with the results of the tendering exercise. The RTS Connection is a successful combination of local and foreign players,” said Shamsul Rizal Md Yusof, Chairman of RTSO, in a press conference involving the RTS project recently.

The project is set to be completed by the end of 2026.
(Source: The Straits Times)

The big announcement has not only been a joy to the company, in a way, but this project has also been a blessing to millions of Johor Bahru people. Many Malaysian from Johor Bahru commute to Singapore every day as most of them work there.

Berita DIMENSi contacted Ibrahim Ghani, a Malaysian working in Singapore for almost six years as a receptionist at Carlton Hotel Singapore to ask him about the project and how it could benefit people like him.

“When I first heard about it, I was like wow, finally an initiative for us. The project is estimated to be completed in 2026. I have not decided on working here (Singapore) till 2026, but I am so excited for this project," he said.

Ibrahim adds that over the past six years, Malaysians who work in Singapore need at least three to four hours just to cross the border and go to work.

“Before this, my friend and I believed all Malaysian that work in Singapore needed to wake up at four in the morning to ensure a smooth destination to Singapore.

“It is a three-hour journey, and occasionally, it may take up to four hours just to reach the checkpoint and not to mention going back from work,” said Ibrahim during an interview with Berita DIMENSi through a phone call.

The normal situation at Johor-Singapore causeway.
(Source: Reuters)

Now, with the RTS project being set, it will benefit a lot of Malaysians who commute to Singapore every day; it can serve over 10,000 passengers every hour in either direction and reduce congestion along the Johor Causeway making the time estimation to only five minutes.

Ibrahim adds that it will be a game-changer and an impactful project for millions of Malaysians, especially in Johor Bahru, especially for the next generation.

“Likewise, this project is like a door that opens millions of opportunities for people like us. With the current economic situation, it is best to say that Singapore provides the best job opportunity with good payment,” said Ibrahim.

While the RTS may seem beneficial to Johorean, it is also a big step up in the tourism industry as Singaporeans can commute easily here and make way for a big economic impact on the Johor people and business.

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