RTS Link Trials Set for December, Boosting Johor Appeal

RTS Link Trials to Begin in December, Strengthening Johor–Singapore Connectivity

JOHOR BAHRU — The highly anticipated Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is entering its next milestone, with first-phase trials beginning this December, according to Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Although the December tests will not yet include passengers, they mark a major step forward for the cross-border project that promises to reshape southern Malaysia’s transport and property landscape.

1. First Train Arrives in Johor for Testing

Loke announced that the first RTS train set will arrive at the Wadi Hana Depot in Johor Bahru in mid-October, to undergo integration and system testing before the year-end trials.

2. Key Project Components Near Completion

During a site visit to the Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex at Bukit Chagar, Loke confirmed that the RTS Link project is progressing steadily and remains on schedule for completion by December 31, 2026, followed by full operation in January 2027.

The three core components —

RTS Link Depot: 90% complete
Bukit Chagar Station: 73% complete
ICQ Complex: 76.8% complete

Loke described the project as “a massive and complex effort involving two countries,” adding that he will personally monitor progress quarterly to ensure timely delivery.

The ICQ complex and Bukit Chagar station form the heart of Malaysia’s RTS hub, directly connecting Johor Bahru’s downtown to Singapore’s Woodlands North MRT station, where the RTS will integrate with the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line.

3. Eight Trains, Two Nations, One System

RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) CEO Dr Ahmad Marzuki Ariffin confirmed that all systems and operational works have reached 65% progress, with no major delays reported.

“The project is progressing smoothly because both governments — Malaysia and Singapore — are closely coordinating and monitoring the work. This enables the project to be completed as scheduled,” he said.

The system will feature eight train sets, each comprising four coaches, with initial rolling stock coming from the Singapore Rail Test Track.

Comprehensive fault-free test runs are scheduled for July 2026, followed by integrated tests involving customs, immigration, and security agencies from both nations — a crucial phase ahead of passenger service.

4. A Game-Changer for Johor’s Property Market

Beyond transport, the RTS Link represents one of the most transformative infrastructure projects for Johor Bahru’s urban and property landscape in decades.

Once operational, the 4km link is expected to carry 10,000 passengers per hour per direction, reducing cross-border travel time to just five minutes and significantly easing congestion at the Causeway.

This enhanced accessibility is already fuelling property market optimism across Bukit Chagar, Tanjung Puteri, and the Iskandar Malaysia corridor.

Developments such as TSLAW Land’s Skyline (Eastside) and Country Garden’s Danga Bay and Central Park have reported increased buyer interest, particularly among Singapore-based Malaysians and cross-border professionals anticipating daily commutes via RTS.

“The RTS will redefine Johor’s economic geography,” noted an analyst from Juwai IQI. “Proximity to the station will become a key value driver, similar to how MRT lines reshaped property premiums in Kuala Lumpur.”

As a result, areas within a 2km radius of Bukit Chagar Station are witnessing rising demand for mixed-use developments, serviced apartments, and commercial hubs designed for high connectivity.

5. Catalysing the Johor–Singapore Growth Corridor

The RTS Link complements broader bilateral efforts such as the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which has already attracted RM37.1 billion in approved investments during the first half of 2025.

Together, these initiatives form a powerful foundation for integrated cross-border growth, enhancing trade, tourism, and labour mobility.

With the RTS Link anchoring connectivity, the JS-SEZ providing fiscal incentives, and Iskandar Malaysia expanding its residential and industrial footprint, Johor is rapidly emerging as southern Malaysia’s most dynamic investment region.

“These synergies create a multi-layered ecosystem,” explained a regional property consultant. “It’s not just about transport — it’s about building a city that seamlessly integrates with Singapore’s economy while retaining Malaysia’s lifestyle advantages.”

6. Looking Ahead: Connectivity Meets Confidence

As December’s trials begin, the RTS Link will become more than just a rail line — it will stand as a symbol of regional cooperation and investor confidence.

The project’s successful completion is expected to:

Increase property values in central Johor Bahru by up to 20% in the next five years.
Enhance demand for residential units in Bukit Chagar, Tanjung Puteri, and Permas Jaya.
Stimulate growth in retail, hospitality, and logistics sectors tied to commuter traffic.

For investors and homeowners, these developments reaffirm Johor’s position as one of Malaysia’s most promising property markets — especially as the RTS Link brings the region closer than ever to Singapore’s economy and talent pool.

Explore Johor’s Rising Property Opportunities

With the RTS Link’s December trials marking a historic milestone, now is the time to discover the next wave of property opportunities in Johor Bahru and Iskandar Malaysia.

Visit klproperty.cc for insights, project highlights, and investment guides connecting you to Malaysia’s most transformative real estate developments.

The RTS Link is redefining borders — and Johor’s property future is riding right along with it.