The wait for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is almost over! Yesterday (30th June 2025, Monday), the public got a first look at the first of eight train sets for the cross-border rail project.
The new train was unveiled at the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) near Tuas. Amongst those in attendance at the unveiling were Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Singapore’s acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow and Johor’s Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi. According to a joint statement, the RTS Link will be served by eight trains manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd.
The trains feature a white livery with red and blue accents inspired by the colour palettes of Malaysia, Johor and Singapore’s flags. All eight trains also utilise a fully automatic driverless technology. Each train has four cars and a maximum capacity of 1,000 passengers. Overall, the RTS Link’s peak capacity is up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction.
The first train will undergo off-site system integration testing (OSIT) at the SRTC in preparation for full integration and operation. The RTS Link is targeted to begin passenger service by December 2026. The system will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru with Woodlands North in Singapore, with a train journey time of about five minutes between the two stations, allowing for easier and faster commutes.
In related news, Anthony Loke also announced that the KLIA Aerotrain is back in service starting today (1st July 2025, Tuesday). The train shuttles passengers between the Main Terminal and the Satellite Building. However, the Aerotrain service was suspended for 28 months to facilitate upgrade works. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officiate the relaunch at KLIA Terminal 1 later today.
For more updates on the RTS Link, the public can visit the Ministry of Transportation’s official social media pages. Are you excited for the link to begin operations? In the meantime, check out this video of the first train:
@ltasg The first Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link train has arrived! 🚄🤩 Unveiled today at the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC), the train is the first of 8 that will run on the RTS Link targeted to commence passenger service by Dec 2026. Key features of the new RTS Link trains: 🚆 4 train cars with a capacity for 600+ passengers 🕹️ Fully automated and driverless 🎨 Inspired by the colours of the Malaysia, Johor, and Singapore flags Before entering passenger service, the train will first undergo comprehensive system testing at SRTC, followed by additional tests and preparations on the RTS Link tracks.🚉 #ProgressUpdate 🛠️ More than half of the system works on the RTS Link are complete! This comprises trackwork, the trains and the integration of signalling, communications, and control systems. With a peak capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, the RTS Link will significantly enhance cross-border connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia. 🩵 #ThereRailBeMore
♬ original sound – Land Transport Authority – Land Transport Authority
