ISKANDAR PUTERI: The federal government has been urged to expedite approval for the rail transit system project integrating with the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, says Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.<\/p>\n
He said greater attention and support must be given to such projects to ensure seamless connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a pressing need to ensure Johor is ready to handle the increased movement of people.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope all considerations and approvals can be expedited so that the state\u2019s public transportation system can truly support economic growth and the well-being of Bangsa Johor,\u201d he said when opening the Johor state assembly sitting at Kota Iskandar here on Thursday (April 30).<\/p>\n
The RTS Link, scheduled to begin operations on Jan 1, 2027, is a 4km shuttle service connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands in Singapore.<\/p>\n
Once operational, it is expected to transform the commute for the 350,000 people who use the Causeway daily, one of the busiest border crossings in the world.<\/p>\n
The system is designed to handle up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with a projected daily ridership of 40,000.<\/p>\n
In February, Bernama reported that the Johor government had proposed implementing the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) project on key alignments first, subject to federal government approval.<\/p>\n
Johor public works, transport, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said alignments in the Tebrau area, for example, which often experience traffic congestion, should be prioritised.<\/p>\n
He said this step is important to expedite the implementation of the ART project, which will ease traffic in affected areas, alongside the operation of the RTS Link project next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Tebrau area is the most congested. We can probably prioritise this alignment first, then focus on the others.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, if the alignment involves a route of about 20km, we can do it as a package, and contractors can work together to speed up construction,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n