The Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) Project, which is scheduled to go into full operation on 1st January 2027, will be supported by the introduction of Komuter service, according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT).
This, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, is because the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Tracking Train Project, which is located underneath the RTS station, will be housed at the RTS Link Station in Bukit Chagar.
“The Komuter service is already available in Kuala Lumpur and in the north, but downsouth there’s none yet. We have ETS (electric train service) between Gemas and JB, and we are discussing how to integrate (the ETS track) with the RTS. So people staying in Senai, Kluang and Kulai can take the Komuter service to Bukit Chagar, (and) then take the RTS to Singapore.
“When the ETS track between Gemas and JB is ready, we do not want it to be used for just one service. It would be great if it could also be used for the Komuter service. This matter is being studied, we will look at it in detail before introducing it in Johor Bahru,” he said.
He said this at a media conference after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of a pedestrian bridge connecting Coronation Square and the Bukit Chagar RTS Link Station at Menara JLand, Johor Bahru.
Meanwhile, Loke said the Bukit Chagar area here, which houses the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link station, is set to be a hub for the main public transport system in Johor.
“Our vision is that when the RTS Link is ready, it will be a catalyst and hub for various public transport systems in the state. It is our policy to encourage the use of public transport in the future,” he said.
In reference to the proposal put forth by Johor Menter Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to create a multi-tiered Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system in Johor Bahru to alleviate traffic in the city centre, Loke stated that the proposal will be carefully examined by the ministry because Johor Bahru requires an integrated public transport system.
In a statement regarding the RTS Link project’s development, Loke stated that as of 31st March, the superstructure construction work for the Bukit Chagar Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex was at 7.02%, while the RTS Link rail infrastructure construction work had reached 70.45%.
“Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) is building a new multi-storey ‘Park ‘N Ride’ facility in Bukit Chagar for RTS Link passengers, comprising 1,000 vehicle parking spaces.
“In addition, 700 car parks specifically for passengers of RTS Link will be provided at Coronation Square, which is only about 400 metres from Bukit Chagar. This means there will be 1,700 parking bays for RTS Link passengers,” he said.
