Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is an international cross-border rapid transit system that will connect Malaysia’s second largest city, Johor Bahru and Woodlands, Singapore, crossing the Strait of Johor. It will consist of two stations, with the Malaysian terminus at Bukit Chagar station and the Singaporean terminus at Woodlands North station, which also interchanges with Singapore’s Thomson–East Coast MRT line.

Both stations will consist of co-located customs, immigration and quarantine facilities of both countries. When built, the RTS Link will be the second rail link between the two countries after the KTM Intercity’s Shuttle Tebrau, between JB Sentral and Woodlands Train Checkpoint. However, the RTS Link is expected to replace this shuttle once it is completed.

The new line will increase capacity on the route with 10000 passengers per hour being able to use the link. Following delays incurred during the planning stage, the line is now expected to open by the end of 2026. The total project cost is estimated at RM10 billion (S$3.24 billion). The total length of the line is 4 km (1.3 km in Singapore, and 2.7 km in Malaysia).

Most of the route is being constructed on overground viaducts, except for a short underground section leading to Woodlands North station. The rail depot will be located at Wadi Hana, north of Bukit Chagar station. Journey time between Woodlands North & Bukit Chagar station would be about 5 minutes, with train frequency at 3.6 minutes during peak hours and 6 minutes during off-peak hours.

The RTS Link is a double-tracked line electrified to 750V DC via a third rail. The line will be served by 8 four-car electric multiple unit (EMU) trainsets. As a light rapid transit line, the rolling stock will be similar to that used on the Ampang and Sri Petaling lines in Kuala Lumpur, and the Jurong Region Line in Singapore. Trains will be built to Standard gauge (1,435 mm) and limited to a maximum operating speed of 80 km/h. Each car will feature a single wheelchair space. Trains will also be driverless, using an Automatic Train Control system. The four-car trains have a normal capacity of 605 passengers, and a maximum crush load capacity of 1,069 passengers.

The Link in October 2023 (under construction).

Woodlands Waterfront Park

Officially opened in January 2011, Woodlands Waterfront is a coastal park whose main highlight is its 400-metre refurbished jetty – the longest recreational one in Singapore. It also offers a 1.5km waterfront promenade and views of the Causeway and the Straits of Johor. Prior to independence the pier was part of a Malaysian Navy base. It now is a good vantage point for the straits and Malaysia beyond.