Milestone for Cross-Border Connectivity
The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link has reached a pivotal moment with the unveiling of its first driverless train. This event, held in Singapore on June 30, 2025, marks a major step toward seamless cross-border travel. The RTS Link, a joint venture between Singapore’s SMRT and Malaysia’s Prasarana, is now 56% complete. The new train will undergo rigorous testing at an $800 million facility in Tuas*, ensuring it meets the highest standards before passenger service begins by the end of 2026. This project is more than just infrastructure; it symbolizes deepening ties and economic synergy between Malaysia and Singapore.
Advanced Features and Passenger Comfort
Each of the eight RTS Link trains, manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, is designed for both comfort and efficiency. With an optimal capacity of 607 passengers and a maximum of 1,087, these four-car trains are built for high-volume, rapid transit. Accessibility is a priority, with features like foldable seats for wheelchairs, prams, or luggage, and a state-of-the-art hearing induction loop system. This system, a first for trains in both countries, transmits announcements directly to compatible hearing aids, ensuring clarity for passengers with hearing impairments. Safety is also paramount, with emergency call buttons, red hatches for evacuation, smoke and fire detectors, and hopper windows for ventilation.
Operational Efficiency and Testing
The RTS Link trains will operate at speeds up to 80 km/h, moving up to 10,000 people per hour in each direction. Service will run from 6am to midnight, with peak-hour frequencies of just 3.6 minutes and a swift five-minute journey across the border. The first train, which arrived in Singapore in April, will be tested for integration with existing rail systems, including signaling and platform screen doors. These tests are scheduled for completion in late 2025. Afterward, the train will undergo real-world trials on the RTS Link tracks between Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar, simulating actual service conditions until the third quarter of 2026.
Manufacturing Progress and Future Deliveries
Assembly of the next four trains is underway at CRRC’s Batu Gajah facility in Perak, Malaysia, with the remaining three to follow. Once completed, these trains will be sent to the Wadi Hana depot in Johor Bahru for further testing. The final train is expected to be delivered by December 2025, ensuring all eight are ready for the system’s launch. The original plan to connect the RTS Link to Singapore’s Thomson-East Coast Line was revised after a temporary suspension in 2019, with the project resuming in 2020 under new terms to optimize costs and efficiency.
Easing Congestion and Shaping the Future
The RTS Link is poised to dramatically reduce congestion at the Causeway, which currently sees over 300,000 daily crossings. By offering a fast, reliable, and accessible alternative, the system will not only improve daily commutes but also foster greater economic integration and social exchange between Singapore and Johor Bahru. The project’s progress highlights the importance of innovative transport solutions in supporting urban growth and cross-border collaboration.
Embracing Change for Prosperity
The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link stands as a testament to visionary planning and international cooperation. As the system nears completion, it promises to redefine regional mobility, boost economic opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for thousands. Adapting to such transformative projects is crucial for future wealth, freedom, and the continued prosperity of both nations.
