Imagine being able to hop on a train that takes you all the way to JB for affordable shopping sprees and lavish lunches, then back home again within the same day. No more squeezy bus rides or nausea-inducing car drives.
(Only after the pandemic blows over, of course.)
Indeed, I’m sure we’re all eagerly awaiting the construction of the JB-SG RTS Link (and the easing of travel restrictions).
Needless to say however, this enhanced convenience and accessibility comes at a cost.
Especially for Singapore, who’s footing the lion’s share of the bill.
S’pore to Pay for 61% of JB-SG RTS Link Project, Total Contribution Amounts to S$2b
According to this article by The Star, the total cost of the project is estimated to be S$3.24 billion.
Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to split the cost in the ratio 61:39, with Malaysia paying S$1.22 billion while Singapore forks out S$2.05 billion, according to Mothership.
The Rapid Transit System (RTS) link is expected to be ready for use at the end of 2026. According to ST, travellers can anticipate a terminus station and an immigration complex in Woodlands North that is approximately 10 times the size of a regular MRT station.
Commuters can expect to arrive at Bukit Chagar station in JB in a mere five minutes, and the service will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 people per hour in each direction.
Additionally, immigration will only have to be cleared once as the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities for both countries will be co-located at each station.
You can read more about the new RTS link here.
M’sia State Ruler Says RTS Link Will Boost Johor’s Economy
According to ST, the RTS link will be able to boost Johor’s economy by the next five years.
Specifically, state ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar notes that this project will help to raise property prices by making living and working in Johor more attractive for both Singaporeans and Malaysians.
He also added that certain sectors in Johor would be boosted, such as the hotel, hospitality and tourism sectors.
Not to mention the fact that the construction of the RTS would help create employment for the people of Johor, particularly contractors and suppliers.
Apart from these economic benefits, he also mentioned that the RTS would solve the perennial issue of traffic congestion at the Causeway.
Students from Johor attending school in Singapore would definitely be down for that—waking up at 4am to reach school before the rush hour is most certainly no joke.
Guess we can look forward to the day where we can head to JB for some CNY shopping without getting stuck in a 4-hour traffic jam.
Feature Image: Johor Royal Press Office
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