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SINGAPORE: The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link remains on track for its scheduled January 2027 launch despite global energy-related pressures, Malaysia\u2019s\u00a0Transport Minister Anthony Loke said on Friday (Apr 3), according to local media reports.<\/span><\/p>\n On fares, Loke said RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), the rail operator, is expected to submit its pricing proposal in the third quarter to Malaysia\u2019s Land Public Transport Agency and Singapore\u2019s Land Transport Authority.<\/span><\/p>\n The fare package will be considered by both governments before prices are announced to the public by year-end, he said.<\/span><\/p>\n RTSO is a joint venture between Malaysia\u2019s state-owned transport operator Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Singapore\u2019s SMRT Corporation.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe presentation is to obtain agreement from both governments,\u201d Loke said.<\/span><\/p>\n Loke also said Malaysia is open to introducing a season pass for frequent cross-border commuters, but stressed that any such scheme would have to be commercially viable and would likely require government subsidies.<\/span><\/p>\n He said public transport season passes \u201cusually involve government subsidies\u201d, adding they would have to look at how it could support Malaysians, but \u201cwould not subsidise foreigners\u201d. He added that Singapore would likely take the same position.<\/span><\/p>\n Loke said any season pass proposal would need to be discussed with RTSO because the service is a cross-border rail operation involving both Malaysia and Singapore.<\/span><\/p>\n He said the main issue was whether recurring revenue from such passes could cover operating costs, even if there was policy interest in helping Malaysian commuters.<\/span><\/p>\n His remarks come after he told local media on Wednesday that the energy crisis was a \u201cvery, very serious matter\u201d and that the Malaysian government had entered \u201ccrisis mode\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n Malaysia has faced spillover effects from global energy market turbulence linked to the United States and Israel\u2019s war on Iran, which has driven up energy costs and increased pressure on the country\u2019s fuel subsidy bill.<\/span><\/p>\n