Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Assessment of Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS On Traffic Congestion at Land Checkpoints and Measures to Maximise Commuter Adoption

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Acting Minister for Transport

a.     what assessment has the Ministry made of the potential impact of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) on road traffic congestion at the land checkpoints; and

b.     what measures will be undertaken to encourage strong commuter take-up of the RTS so as to maximise its effectiveness in easing congestion and improving cross-border connectivity.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow: 

1.     The Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) will have a maximum capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Earlier studies indicated that it could alleviate Causeway traffic considerably, but this assessment was dependent on assumptions that will have to be reviewed closer to the project’s completion.

2.     The RTS Link will be an attractive option for travel between Singapore and Johor Bahru. A trip takes about five minutes, and commuters only need to undergo immigration clearance once at the point of departure. The RTS Link station at Woodlands will also be directly connected to Woodlands North Mass Rapid Transit Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, to provide convenient access between the RTS Link and our local public transport network.