RTS Link deal to be inked by year end

JOHOR BARU: The bilateral agreement for the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) will be inked by the two governments at the end of this year, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
He said this after the 13th Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) meeting today.
Both governments will jointly appoint an operating company (OpCo) to design, build, finance, operate, maintain, and renew the RTS Link operating assets.
He said the time frame to appoint OpCo will be ready before the bilateral agreement is finalised.
Prasarana Sdn Bhd from Malaysia and SMRT Corporation Ltd are exploring the formation of a joint venture company.
Abdul Rahman said the cost of the RTS Link could not be revealed now because the tender has yet to be called.
He said RTS Link is scheduled to commence passenger service by Dec 31, 2024, after which KTMB Tebrau shuttle would cease operations.
Currently, KTMB Tebrau provides shuttle train service between Johor Baru and Woodlands in Singapore. It is scheduled to increase the daily trips from 24 to 36 trips in stages.
Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Khaw Boon Wan led the Singapore delegation in the meeting.