Transport

Singapore-Johor Bahru Train Line Via Woodlands North MRT Could Be Green-Lit By August

Woodlands North To Johor Bahru Train Project Postponed Till 31 Jul 2020

Singaporeans were bummed when we heard that plans to kickoff the Singapore to Kuala Lumpur high-speed rail were put on hold indefinitely.

Source

The last we heard on the project is – after a penalty waiver of RM500 million – was that it has been postponed till 2020.

As for the more achievable Rapid Transit System (RTS) link from Woodlands North MRT to Johor Bahru, both nations were still working out the details in 2019.

Source

This was until Minister Khaw Boon Wan posted a Facebook update on Saturday (2 May) stating that Singapore has granted a third and final extension to our neighbours to confirm the details of the project.

The new deadline has been extended to 31 July 2020, due to a change in Malaysia’s government & the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis.

If all goes well, here’s what we know so far about the upcoming train link between Woodlands North and Johor Bahru.

Woodlands North MRT directly links to Johor Bahru

The line will be dubbed, Rapid Transit System (RTS), acting as a direct link to Woodlands North MRT from Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru.

Source

 

Both countries hope to ease Causeway congestion and curb the long lines at JB checkpoints, with this alternate transport option for commuters.

RTS could open as early as 2025

If the project gets a final go-ahead by Malaysia, the new line could be open as soon as 2025.

Source

A previous “operational date” was scheduled for Dec 2024, but that was assuming work began in 2019.

Source

RTS could help up to 10,000 commuters get to their destination per hour, and would cost an estimated S$1.3 billion (RM4 billion) to complete.

Woodlands North MRT will house Tokyo-style subway malls

Woodlands North MRT‘s upcoming interchange is also an anticipated part of the upgrade works.

At least 3 swanky shopping complexes that invoke Tokyo’s famous subway malls are in the works by JR East — a potential draw for Causeway trippers.

Source

The connection to Johor Bahru’s Rapid Transit Link should also be similarly linked to Woodlands North MRT for seamless commutes.

Proposed train fares are still up in the air

An original one-way fare of S$4.90 (RM15) was floated and deemed too expensive for the average commuter.

Since a Malaysian working in Singapore requires a 2-way commute, the price is indeed unsustainable on a regular budget..

Hopefully, fair pricing will be settled by the extension as well.

Crossing our fingers for Causeway commuters

With the closure of the Causeway and ban on travelling to be lifted in the future, we think both countries should plan ahead to solve congestion problems in the next 5-10 years.

That’s because more than 300,000 Malaysians use these “land links with Singapore” regularly, reports The Straits Times.

Source

Once the Covid-19 health crisis has been abated, we’re sure that frequent travellers who’ve been taking hours of jams valiantly in their stride for years would greatly appreciate the support.

As a result, we hope that Malaysia’s new government will consider this longer-term solution with utmost care.

Featured image adapted from Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Facebook & Wikipedia Commons.

The Must Share News Team

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Recent Posts

URL on ‘Wicked’ dolls’ packaging links to porn site, Mattel apologises for misprint

The misprinted boxes are now coveted items on eBay.

13 Nov 2024, 6:30 pm

‘It suits you’: Daughter in Thailand asks for car, dad gets her tuk tuk instead

And she named her new purple ride after a popular Thai rum.

13 Nov 2024, 6:01 pm

2 boys rush out of MRT to return laptop left by alighting passenger, praised for actions

They managed to run back onto the train in time.

13 Nov 2024, 5:29 pm

Croatian scientist treats own breast cancer with viruses she developed in lab, has been cancer-free for 4 years

During the treatment, her tumour substantially shrank and was later removed easily.

13 Nov 2024, 5:16 pm

Boy with autism in M’sia refuses to get his haircut, barber patiently plays with him

The barber played with the autistic boy until he was ready for haircut.

13 Nov 2024, 5:15 pm

Trump appoints Elon Musk as head of new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ aka DOGE

News outlets express concern about his appointees' lack of experience.

13 Nov 2024, 3:41 pm