The impending development of an urban oasis adjacent to the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link station in Johor Bahru holds the promise of transforming the economic landscape of the region. Spearheaded by Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of MRT Corp, this visionary 4km rail link connecting Woodlands North station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar station is poised to redefine cross-border connectivity and foster economic growth on both sides of the Causeway. At the heart of this transformative project is the creation of an urban oasis, as highlighted by Zarif Hashim, the CEO of MRT Corp. Designed to seamlessly integrate with the mobility-centric ethos of the RTS Link, this urban oasis will be a vibrant hub curated to cater to the 24-hour lifestyle needs of the community. Its strategic location near the RTS Link station ensures that the economic benefits of improved connectivity are harmoniously complemented by quality services and amenities. The significance of this development extends beyond mere infrastructural enhancements; it encompasses the envisioning of an integrated living experience. With a focus on hospitality, healthcare, wellness services, and education facilities, the urban oasis emerges as a comprehensive solution to the evolving needs of the community. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances the liveability quotient but also positions the region as a hub of economic activity.
In a noteworthy collaboration, MRT Corp joined forces with Hong Kong's MTR Corporation, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to rejuvenate and transform Bukit Chagar into a southern economic hub. This collaboration, grounded in a "rail plus property" model, underscores the commitment to crafting liveable communities that seamlessly integrate with the urban fabric. The technical design and lifestyle integration aspects of this partnership are poised to usher in a new era of development and community engagement. The symbiotic relationship between the urban oasis and the RTS Link is a testament to visionary urban planning. By concurrently developing both the transportation infrastructure and the surrounding urban environment, MRT Corp is laying the groundwork for a holistic and sustainable economic corridor. This approach not only streamlines connectivity but also ensures that the economic benefits permeate the community, fostering growth, and prosperity.
As the RTS Link project reaches 52.7% completion, the scheduled opening in December 2026 is eagerly anticipated. Beyond being a technological marvel that reduces travel time between Johor Bahru and Singapore from hours to a mere 15 minutes, the RTS Link emerges as a catalyst for regional transformation. The convergence of cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative urban planning positions Johor Bahru as a model for sustainable, connected, and thriving communities. In conclusion, the holistic vision encompassing the urban oasis and the RTS Link heralds a new era for Johor Bahru. Beyond the reduction of congestion on the Causeway, this transformative initiative promises to be a cornerstone for economic growth, community development, and a testament to the power of visionary urban planning. As the project inches closer to completion, the unfolding narrative of Johor Bahru stands as a testament to the transformative potential embedded in strategic urban development initiatives.
the complete setup of the launching girder at the JB side marks one of the major milestones in the entire RTS project. in the next few months, we will see the construction of the elevated track in JB and of course, we will look forward to the connection of the pre-casted segments at the MY-SG international maritime border.
2.5years finished 50%, so another 2.5years can complete, which is mid 2026. Hope there is overhead bridge or underground to connect this new Bukit Chagar Station to JB Sentral Train Station…..to take ETS! Hope ETS JB-Gemas (direct to KL, Ipoh, Butterworth or Padang Besar can start running in early 2025!
I have traced the RTS Link on a satellite map. The distance between the furthest ends of the stations is 4.45km.
A close match in Singapore would be the East West Line from Expo station to Changi Airport station (4.5km). The distance of the EWL section is obtained via the LTA fare calculator.
The EWL section between Expo station and Changi Airport station has the same elevated to underground nature (although the proportion is reversed), and the Malaysia LRT3 trains which will be running on the RTS Link (as mentioned on Wikipedia) will have the same maximum operating speed as the EWL.
Thus, we can expect the RTS Link to have the same travel time and commuting experience as the EWL between Expo station and Changi Airport station.
Anyway, the RTS Link should be able to make it much faster to travel between Singapore and Malaysia, especially during weekday peak hours and weekends where there are large numbers of passengers queueing to get across the causeway.
It will be the same as in 2002 when the MRT opens to Changi Airport, making it much faster to travel to Changi Airport, than the taxi, bus and car options which were the only available options before that.
Not only would it make it much faster to travel between Singapore and Malaysia, it will also help to promote the development of the Central Business District at Johor Bahru, which is around the Bukit Chagar RTS Link station,
As well as the Woodlands Waterfront District at Singapore, which is around the Woodlands North RTS Link station.
Therefore, the RTS Link is a project that has a lot of economic benefits to Malaysia and Singapore.
Really looking forward to the completion of the RTS Link in end 2026, and the commencement of the passenger service thereafter.
I think the Sultan request it to be speed up before the SEA Games in JB. At that time the trams service also is already running through the city, it all to welcome the guest from South East Asia for the game.
By the way, looking at the marine viaduct construction at 11:44, and comparing it with the animation shown in the website whose QR code is in this video, the marine viaduct construction is around 6 months late.
But still in time for end 2026 completion. So, no worries.
The original target for marine viaduct construction was end June 2024. Even with 6 months delay, it can be completed by end December 2024.
The original scheduled completion of the RTS station in Singapore is March 2026. Even with 6 months delay, it can be completed by September 2026.
Essentially, both Malaysia and Singapore only say that they aim to complete the construction at end 2026. Which is still within target.
Testing and commissioning will take around 6 months. If the construction complete at September 2026, most probably March 2027 opening.
But considering it's just 2 stations, probably 4 months testing and commissioning can already. Can potentially open at end January 2027, which will be in time for the 2027 Lunar New Year, where the first day is on 7 February 2027.
That time, EWL Pioneer to Joo Koon, 2 stations, opening date announcement end October 2008, after that then start to testing commissioning. End February 2009 opening. Total 4 months.
End January 2027 opening of the RTS Link is something to look forward to.
If that's the case, we are just 3 years 3 months to go before the RTS Link opens.
If they are truly serious in getting it done the soonest, both countries, Malaysia and Singapore should have asked the Communist Chinese to build the link. With the experience the Chinese have in building rail links, it would have finished in no time, Save plenty of money and time. No ?
Hi, I'm a new friend here. Hopefully, with the completion of this project, it will be able to smooth the journey and reduce congestion at the border of the two countries.👍🔔
20 Comments
Will ETS drop passenger directly at Bukit Chagar RTS station?
The impending development of an urban oasis adjacent to the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link station in Johor Bahru holds the promise of transforming the economic landscape of the region. Spearheaded by Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of MRT Corp, this visionary 4km rail link connecting Woodlands North station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar station is poised to redefine cross-border connectivity and foster economic growth on both sides of the Causeway.
At the heart of this transformative project is the creation of an urban oasis, as highlighted by Zarif Hashim, the CEO of MRT Corp. Designed to seamlessly integrate with the mobility-centric ethos of the RTS Link, this urban oasis will be a vibrant hub curated to cater to the 24-hour lifestyle needs of the community. Its strategic location near the RTS Link station ensures that the economic benefits of improved connectivity are harmoniously complemented by quality services and amenities.
The significance of this development extends beyond mere infrastructural enhancements; it encompasses the envisioning of an integrated living experience. With a focus on hospitality, healthcare, wellness services, and education facilities, the urban oasis emerges as a comprehensive solution to the evolving needs of the community. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances the liveability quotient but also positions the region as a hub of economic activity.
In a noteworthy collaboration, MRT Corp joined forces with Hong Kong's MTR Corporation, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to rejuvenate and transform Bukit Chagar into a southern economic hub. This collaboration, grounded in a "rail plus property" model, underscores the commitment to crafting liveable communities that seamlessly integrate with the urban fabric. The technical design and lifestyle integration aspects of this partnership are poised to usher in a new era of development and community engagement.
The symbiotic relationship between the urban oasis and the RTS Link is a testament to visionary urban planning. By concurrently developing both the transportation infrastructure and the surrounding urban environment, MRT Corp is laying the groundwork for a holistic and sustainable economic corridor. This approach not only streamlines connectivity but also ensures that the economic benefits permeate the community, fostering growth, and prosperity.
As the RTS Link project reaches 52.7% completion, the scheduled opening in December 2026 is eagerly anticipated. Beyond being a technological marvel that reduces travel time between Johor Bahru and Singapore from hours to a mere 15 minutes, the RTS Link emerges as a catalyst for regional transformation. The convergence of cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative urban planning positions Johor Bahru as a model for sustainable, connected, and thriving communities.
In conclusion, the holistic vision encompassing the urban oasis and the RTS Link heralds a new era for Johor Bahru. Beyond the reduction of congestion on the Causeway, this transformative initiative promises to be a cornerstone for economic growth, community development, and a testament to the power of visionary urban planning. As the project inches closer to completion, the unfolding narrative of Johor Bahru stands as a testament to the transformative potential embedded in strategic urban development initiatives.
the complete setup of the launching girder at the JB side marks one of the major milestones in the entire RTS project. in the next few months, we will see the construction of the elevated track in JB and of course, we will look forward to the connection of the pre-casted segments at the MY-SG international maritime border.
Got it right
My hunch is it will be completed before the targeted date.
any possibility for Malaysia – Sg reunification?
praying that in the future they upgrade it from LRT to MRT instead. Or more trains and shorter intervals
2.5years finished 50%, so another 2.5years can complete, which is mid 2026. Hope there is overhead bridge or underground to connect this new Bukit Chagar Station to JB Sentral Train Station…..to take ETS! Hope ETS JB-Gemas (direct to KL, Ipoh, Butterworth or Padang Besar can start running in early 2025!
I have traced the RTS Link on a satellite map. The distance between the furthest ends of the stations is 4.45km.
A close match in Singapore would be the East West Line from Expo station to Changi Airport station (4.5km). The distance of the EWL section is obtained via the LTA fare calculator.
The EWL section between Expo station and Changi Airport station has the same elevated to underground nature (although the proportion is reversed), and the Malaysia LRT3 trains which will be running on the RTS Link (as mentioned on Wikipedia) will have the same maximum operating speed as the EWL.
Thus, we can expect the RTS Link to have the same travel time and commuting experience as the EWL between Expo station and Changi Airport station.
Anyway, the RTS Link should be able to make it much faster to travel between Singapore and Malaysia, especially during weekday peak hours and weekends where there are large numbers of passengers queueing to get across the causeway.
It will be the same as in 2002 when the MRT opens to Changi Airport, making it much faster to travel to Changi Airport, than the taxi, bus and car options which were the only available options before that.
Not only would it make it much faster to travel between Singapore and Malaysia, it will also help to promote the development of the Central Business District at Johor Bahru, which is around the Bukit Chagar RTS Link station,
As well as the Woodlands Waterfront District at Singapore, which is around the Woodlands North RTS Link station.
Therefore, the RTS Link is a project that has a lot of economic benefits to Malaysia and Singapore.
Really looking forward to the completion of the RTS Link in end 2026, and the commencement of the passenger service thereafter.
When I saw this is build by China constructor, I am crying… they are famous for unfinished building
Why does it look like Singapore side is almost unchanged for me? And also you really to see the RTS updates?
aiyoo bila ia akan selesai sy harap dia cepat bina laluan depan bangunan tu jalan jdi sempit dan jem kesihan pd mereka yg lalu
Is it called Bukit Chagar cuz the trains go chagar chagar? 😂
I think the Sultan request it to be speed up before the SEA Games in JB. At that time the trams service also is already running through the city, it all to welcome the guest from South East Asia for the game.
Good for Singapore n good for Malaysia hoping for better life of both country. Life to move on friendship Malaysia-Singapore.
Thanks for keeping Malaysians updated 👍 😀 🙏 🙂 😊 🙌 👍 😀 🙏 🙂 😊 🙌 👍 😀 🙏 🙂 😊 🙌 👍 😀 🙏 🙂 😊 🙌 👍 😀 🙏 🙂 😊 Singapore ❤️ 🇸🇬 😆 😄 💋 JB .
Jurong region line November 2023 please
By the way, looking at the marine viaduct construction at 11:44, and comparing it with the animation shown in the website whose QR code is in this video, the marine viaduct construction is around 6 months late.
But still in time for end 2026 completion. So, no worries.
The original target for marine viaduct construction was end June 2024. Even with 6 months delay, it can be completed by end December 2024.
The original scheduled completion of the RTS station in Singapore is March 2026. Even with 6 months delay, it can be completed by September 2026.
Essentially, both Malaysia and Singapore only say that they aim to complete the construction at end 2026. Which is still within target.
Testing and commissioning will take around 6 months. If the construction complete at September 2026, most probably March 2027 opening.
But considering it's just 2 stations, probably 4 months testing and commissioning can already. Can potentially open at end January 2027, which will be in time for the 2027 Lunar New Year, where the first day is on 7 February 2027.
That time, EWL Pioneer to Joo Koon, 2 stations, opening date announcement end October 2008, after that then start to testing commissioning. End February 2009 opening. Total 4 months.
End January 2027 opening of the RTS Link is something to look forward to.
If that's the case, we are just 3 years 3 months to go before the RTS Link opens.
If they are truly serious in getting it done the soonest, both countries, Malaysia and Singapore should have asked the Communist Chinese to build the link. With the experience the Chinese have in building rail links, it would have finished in no time, Save plenty of money and time. No ?
Hi, I'm a new friend here. Hopefully, with the completion of this project, it will be able to smooth the journey and reduce congestion at the border of the two countries.👍🔔