M’sia Proposes LRT System For JB-S’pore RTS Rail Project Because It’s Cheaper

M’sia Proposes LRT System To Bring Costs Down For JB-S’pore RTS Rail Project

Locals will be happy to know that the RTS Rail Project could start development soon, but there could be a few changes.

On Thursday (31 Oct), Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke proposed an LRT system similar to Kuala Lumpur’s, instead of an MRT system like Singapore’s, to bring down the overall cost of the project.

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Here are the updates on this latest development.

LRT system can carry up to 10,000 passengers

The JB to Singapore RTS Rail will connect Woodlands North Station and Bukit Chagar Station. The developer and owner of the Bukit Chagar promised to waive land costs valued at S$260 million (RM $800 million).

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A key change in the proposal is the shift from an MRT to an LRT system. Mr Loke claims that the LRT can transport up to 10,000 passengers per hour in both countries during peak season.

Malaysia prefers an LRT system similar to Kuala Lumpur’s, instead of Singapore’s LRT.

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The proposed changes by the Malaysian government could bring down costs by 36% which amounts to $1.03 billion.

MRT vs LRT?

According to The Straits Times, Singapore and Malaysia originally agreed to use similar core systems used in the Thomson-East Coast MRT line due to economies of scale.

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NUS transport analyst Lee Der-Horng, however,  claims that the proposed LRT system can accommodate fewer passengers as compared to an MRT.

He told The Straits Times,

LRT carriages are smaller and narrower, while MRT ones are wider, longer and more spacious.

The latter would carry more passengers and enable them to disembark faster. However, an LRT could also arrive at shorter intervals to maximize its capacity.

While the Singapore government welcomes the decision to proceed with the project, they will need time to review the changes.

The Ministry of Transport said in a statement,

Both sides are now discussing the changes to the project, which Malaysia is proposing.

The new proposal will require changes to the original RTS Link Agreement. However, both sides are working hard to make it a reality.

Plans to reduce congestion

We’re no strangers to long queues at JB Customs. 

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Fortunately, Mr Loke plans to upgrade their systems and create more immigration counters to help accommodate the estimated 367,000 people that rely on the CIQ’s services daily.

The Straits Times reports that they plan to combine toll collection and immigration for vehicles into one counter so locals will only need to make one stop.

The Malaysian government has allocated S$28 million (RM85 million) for this initiative.

Mr Loke did not comment when asked if the RTS would be finished by the target completion date on Dec 31, 2024. More details will be announced when the amended agreement is signed by both parties.

Hoping for more positive updates soon

We’re happy that the RTS project is gaining traction but what do you think about the changes?

Malaysia wants to adopt an LRT system which can hopefully accommodate up to 10,000 passengers per hour. We don’t know if Singapore would prefer to stick to the planned MRT system though we’re hoping both sides would reach a compromise soon.

Will an LRT system similar to Kuala Lumpur help reduce overcrowding in the border? Let us know in the comments below.

Featured image from Wikimedia and LTA.