The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is undergoing a major public transport transformation with three key projects: the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, the Electric Train Service (ETS) extension to Johor Bahru, and the upcoming Elevated Automated Rapid Transit (E-ART). These developments are crucial for unlocking the full potential of the JS-SEZ. Here’s a look at the latest progress, why they matter, and why it’s critical for the government to communicate its transition plan clearly.
RTS Link: Nearing Completion
The RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore over a 4-kilometre stretch. As of August 2024, the project was 83% complete. By February 2025, half the rail systems including tracks and signalling were installed. The line is expected to begin operations on 1st January 2027, with a capacity to carry 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. With a joint customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) clearance, the RTS will significantly ease border congestion and shorten commute times.
ETS: Intercity Rail to Johor Bahru
The ETS extension to Johor Bahru is part of a RM9.5 billion rail upgrade aimed at boosting long-distance connectivity. Slated for launch in August 2025, the ETS will reduce travel time from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru from 7 hours to just 4.5 hours. Each train will offer 312 seats, onboard WiFi, charging ports, and will make stops at 11 stations, including Segamat and Kluang. This is a game-changer for linking Johor with the rest of Peninsular Malaysia.
E-ART: Still in Planning
Unlike the RTS and ETS, the E-ART system is still in the proposal stage. As of February 2025, the government is evaluating concepts for this RM7 billion system, pitched as a cost-effective alternative to a RM16.7 billion light rail network. The plan includes 32 stations across three lines to serve intra-city travel within Johor Bahru but no timeline for construction or operation has been announced yet.
Why These Projects Matter for JS-SEZ
These transport projects are more than just infrastructure; they’re catalysts for economic growth in the JS-SEZ.
RTS Link will streamline daily cross-border movement, reducing reliance on cars, cutting congestion, and improving air quality. Businesses will benefit from faster, more predictable access to talent and markets.
ETS enhances intercity access, encouraging talent mobility and drawing investors and visitors from across Malaysia. This supports both Singaporean firms operating in Johor and local businesses looking to scale nationally.
E-ART will be vital for distributing the expected inflow of RTS passengers across Johor Bahru, connecting them to homes, offices, and commercial centres. It’s the final link that makes the entire system function as one.
Together, these three systems form an integrated transport solution, connecting Singapore to Johor, and from Johor to the rest of Malaysia, and people within the city. The benefits: lower transportation costs, reduced congestion, and a greener, more efficient urban environment.
The Missing Piece: Timing
Here lies the challenge. The RTS will begin operating in early 2027, and the ETS in mid-2025, but the E-ART still lacks a confirmed timeline. Once RTS is operational, up to 20,000 people per hour will enter and exit Johor Bahru. Without a working intra-city solution like E-ART, the city centre could face severe congestion. Roads, buses, and public spaces may struggle to cope with the surge.
A Call for Transparency
For these projects to succeed collectively, coordination is key. The government must communicate a clear roadmap:
- When will E-ART construction begin?
- What interim solutions—such as expanded bus routes or road upgrades, are planned to bridge the gap?
- How will crowd flow at Bukit Chagar be managed before E-ART is ready?
Investors and businesses are watching. The JS-SEZ is poised to become a regional hub, but that confidence hinges on the assurance that transport infrastructure will support growth seamlessly. Johor Bahru is on the brink of transformation; the government must now provide clarity and inspire trust by sharing its transition plan.
