RIAUMAG.COM , JOHOR———Singapore and Malaysia unveiled the first RTS Link train on 30 June 2025, celebrating a major milestone in the 4km cross-border rail project set to begin operations in December 2026. With 56% of work completed, the project promises to ease congestion and enhance economic ties.
The first train for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link was officially unveiled on 30 June 2025.
The cross-border light rail project is now approximately 56 per cent complete, with full operations scheduled to commence by December 2026.
The four-kilometre RTS Link is designed to connect Woodlands North Station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru.
Once operational, it is expected to alleviate congestion on the Causeway, one of the busiest land crossings in the world.
The train unveiling took place at the Singapore Rail Test Centre in Tuas, in a joint ceremony hosted by the transport ministries of Singapore and Malaysia.
The first of eight trains—built by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation Zhuzhou Locomotive—was delivered to Singapore in April.
Singapore’s Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow described the unveiling as a key milestone on the path to completing the RTS Link project.
“With the unveiling of the first train, we are one step closer to the commencement of RTS Link service,” he stated.
“The RTS Link will boost connectivity between our two countries, fostering stronger ties and shared economic and social benefits.”
Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke echoed the sentiment, calling the event a significant step toward completion.
“Today is a very important milestone for this RTS project. We are in the final 18 months before we see the operation of RTS,” he said.
Strategic role in bilateral ties and economic zone
Loke highlighted the broader implications of the RTS Link, stating that it represents the “strengthening times of friendship, trust and mutual respect” between the two nations. He also emphasised the project’s role in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
“Without this link, I’m sure it would not be as interesting as we are today,” Loke remarked.
RTS Operations (RTSO), the joint venture operator formed by Singapore’s SMRT and Malaysia’s Prasarana, will begin off-site systems integration testing of the first train in the coming months.
This includes aligning the train with its signalling system, platform screen doors, and communications components.
Final assembly of the remaining seven trains began in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2024 and is expected to conclude by the end of 2025.
Comprehensive testing of the main rail line will be conducted from Q4 2025 to Q3 2026, followed by trial operations in Q4 2026.
Fare structures and payment systems under study
Addressing questions about the fare structure, Loke said that RTSO is finalising its market study to set pricing that will encourage ridership.
“The whole idea of this project is to make the modal shift to ensure that more people use public transport to cross the Causeway,” he added.
Both transport ministers also affirmed their commitment to implementing an open payment system, aimed at offering commuters various options to ensure convenience.
“What we mean is we do want to give commuters as many options as possible,” said Siow.
Train features and operational capacity
Each RTS Link train will be driverless and capable of carrying up to 1,087 passengers across four cars. The service will run from 6 am to 12 midnight daily, with trains scheduled every few minutes.
The rail system will have a peak capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour, per direction.
The journey between Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar is expected to take only five minutes.
To improve efficiency, passengers will clear both countries’ customs and immigration at the station of departure, allowing for seamless cross-border movement upon arrival.
According to Loke, the RTS Link is projected to reduce congestion on the Causeway by 35 per cent.
An estimated 350,000 people currently use the land connection between Johor Bahru and Singapore daily.
During the unveiling ceremony, Johor Chief Minister, who was also present, enthusiastically shared a group photo on Facebook featuring Malaysia’s Loke and Singapore’s Siow.
