In light of the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, the fate of the Shuttle Tebrau train service, a vital connector between Johor Bahru Sentral and Woodlands, hangs in the balance. Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed the nation’s keen interest in preserving this service and expressed plans to negotiate its continuation with Singapore.
Background on the Shuttle Termination
The cessation of the Shuttle Tebrau is in adherence to the stipulated conditions that both nations agreed upon while giving the green light to the RTS Link project. The termination took many by surprise. Several commuters, in conversations with CNA, voiced their lack of awareness regarding the imminent halting of the train service and expressed hope for its continuation.
Increasing Connectivity Between Nations
While addressing the Ministers’ Question Time session in parliament on Oct 26, Minister Loke emphasized the potential benefits of increased connectivity between the two countries. He remarked, “I personally feel that it is not wrong if we have more connectivity between the two countries … which gives choices to passengers.”
He further indicated the Ministry of Transport’s (MOT) proactive stance on this issue, underscoring their intention to discuss the matter with Singaporean counterparts. The overarching objective is to ensure the preservation of the Shuttle Tebrau service even post the commencement of the RTS Link operations, slated for the end of 2026.
Details on the RTS Link
Destined to link Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands in Singapore, the RTS Link aspires to cater to approximately 10,000 passengers hourly in each direction. This endeavor is primarily aimed at alleviating traffic congestion prevalent on the Causeway.
Moreover, the system entails RTS Link tunnels connecting to a viaduct situated 25m above the Straits of Johor, bridging the Woodlands North station in Singapore to the Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru.
One of the most significant advantages for passengers is the co-location of the CIQ (customs, immigration, quarantine) facilities at both the Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar stations, ensuring passengers only have to clear immigration once at their departure point.
Positive Growth for Shuttle Tebrau
Despite the upcoming RTS Link, the Shuttle Tebrau’s popularity is evident in its growing ridership. Minister Loke highlighted a promising 7% surge in the number of passengers this year, translating to an average daily figure of 8,635. Reflecting the service’s growing demand, the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) has chosen to augment the service’s capacity. This will be achieved by increasing the train service frequency and doubling the number of coaches in each train operation.
Conclusion
As the lines of transportation evolve, maintaining options that are both functional and popular remains a priority. As Malaysia makes a case for the continuation of the Shuttle Tebrau, it reflects the nations’ commitment to enhancing the connectivity and choices available to its citizens and visitors.
