RTS Link fares to factor in currency exchange rates — CEO

• The RTS Link rail system connecting Malaysia and Singapore has reached 50% progress.

JOHOR BAHRU (Feb 26): The determination of fares for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will take into account various factors, including the difference in currency exchange rates between Malaysia and Singapore.

RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) chief executive officer Dr Ahmad Marzuki Ariffin said that fares for the service, which will start in January 2027, are expected to be made by the country's top leadership next year.

"There is a process being taken into account to determine the fares, not to mention it involves two countries. For now, we cannot share any information, but the matter will be announced next year.

"The currency difference will be taken into account. Whether the fares are in ringgit or Singapore dollars or both, it will be announced later," the CEO said in a briefing session on the latest developments of the RTS Link project with the media at Menara JLand here on Wednesday.

According to Ahmad Marzuki, the work on the RTS Link rail system connecting Malaysia and Singapore has reached 50% progress.

"The installation of the track, which began at the Wadi Hana Depot here, is progressing according to schedule, with more than 65% of the work completed, including the installation of track linings, rail tracks, and the work of fastening both components with fastening clips.

"We expect track work to continue towards the Woodlands North Station in Singapore, and it is expected to be completed this July. System-related work involving the installation of track power supply components, signalling and communication systems will commence in March," he said.

RTSO is the operator of the RTS Link route, and is a joint-venture operating company between Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and SMRT Corporation Ltd of Singapore, which was established to manage day-to-day operations of the transit system.

On Jan 11, 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his then-Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong witnessed a historic moment for the RTS Link project, with the span connection at the junction of the project's marine viaduct connecting Johor Bahru and Singapore.

The RTS Link is a 4km commuter rail network connecting Malaysia and Singapore, covering the route between two stations, namely Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru, and Woodlands North, Singapore.

The rail transport has a capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with an expected daily ridership of about 40,000 passengers.

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