Johor’s integrated public transport plan, including pedestrian upgrades, is a timely move ahead of the RTS Link launch next year, says RTSO.
JOHOR BAHRU: RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) has described the Johor state government’s proactive and comprehensive plan to strengthen public transport ecosystem integration as a timely move ahead of the operationalisation of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link next year.
RTSO chairman Datuk Khairil Anwar Ahmad said the initiative, which includes improvements to pedestrian connectivity, would help facilitate smooth passenger movement.
He said RTSO, as the operator of the RTS Link, welcomed and supported the initiative, which would provide a better travel experience for all users.
According to him, the RTS Link is more than just a rail connection between two countries, forming part of a broader mobility ecosystem that requires close coordination between infrastructure, transport networks and urban planning.
“We strongly encourage the state government’s continued commitment to ensuring Johor Bahru is operationally ready to support this historic and transformative cross-border service,” he said in a statement.
Khairil Anwar said RTSO was looking forward to continued collaboration with the state government and relevant stakeholders in efforts to strengthen traffic dispersal.
He said the collaboration would include supporting more comprehensive mobility planning through operational observations and passenger movement trends once the RTS Link begins operations.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, during a visit to the RTS Link project site at Bukit Chagar Station two days ago, said the state government was aware of public concerns over increased human and vehicle movement following its opening, particularly regarding traffic congestion in the city centre.
In this regard, he said several measures were being and would be implemented to address the issue, including strengthening pedestrian access through the construction of a pedestrian overhead bridge connecting the RTS Bukit Chagar Station with key areas in the city.
According to Onn Hafiz, the efforts include expanding the Park and Ride concept at strategic locations to reduce the number of vehicles entering the city centre, as well as structured traffic management measures, such as contra-flow lanes and upgrades to smart traffic lights.
