ISKANDAR PUTERI, November 2025 — As the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link nears its 2027 operational launch, the Johor state government is urgently calling on Putrajaya (the federal government) to expedite decisions on a proposed local public rail transport system. The state aims to prevent a significant congestion crisis by ensuring adequate local transit infrastructure is in place to manage the anticipated influx of passengers.

The Johor government has indicated openness to either an Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) or Light Rail Transit (LRT) system to serve as a feeder network. State officials stressed that a decision and the commencement of implementation must occur no later than early 2026 to be ready for the RTS Link, which is projected to transport up to 10,000 passengers per hour between Johor Bahru and Singapore.

The lack of a finalized local rail plan raises concerns about potential severe congestion, particularly in the Bukit Chagar area, once cross-border travel volumes increase. This urgency is underscored by a decree from Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail, emphasizing the critical need for the project's acceleration. The state government has also questioned the faster approval process for Penang's recently greenlit LRT project compared to Johor's proposals.

The RTS Link itself is a 4-kilometer light rail transit shuttle service designed to connect the Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru directly with Singapore’s Woodlands North station. The development of a complementary local network is seen as crucial for seamless passenger flow and regional economic integration.

This push highlights the growing importance of integrated public transportation planning in Southeast Asia, particularly for major cross-border corridors. Johor's proactive stance underscores the challenges and opportunities presented by large-scale transit projects and the need for coordinated federal and state-level decision-making to realize their full potential.

Source: Malay Mail