SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Singapore have unveiled the first Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) train, marking another milestone in the cross-border rail project.

The new train was unveiled by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and the island republic’s acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow at the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) near the Tuas here on Monday (June 30).

In a joint statement released by their ministries, they said the RTS Link, which connects Johor Baru and Singapore, will be served by eight trains manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd at the commencement of service.

“The off-site systems integration testing on the first train will take place at SRTC over the next few months.

“This will be carried out by RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), the joint venture company formed between Prasarana RTS Operations Sdn Bhd and SMRT RTS Pte Ltd to operate the RTS Link service,” the statement read.

The RTS Link trains, which have a white livery with red and blue accents –  inspired by the harmonious colour palettes of Malaysia, Johor and Singapore’s flags – comprise four cars and have a passenger capacity of 600 passengers.

The link’s overall peak capacity is up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction.

Before the unveiling ceremony, the Malaysian and Singaporean media were also given a preview of the train, with a briefing conducted by RTSO rolling stock project manager Mohd Faiz Sudar.

As of Monday, the RTS Link is 56% completed in terms of system works, which comprises trackworks, rolling stock (the trains), traction power and the seamless integration of signalling, communications and control systems.

According to the media factsheet, track works are expected to be completed by the end of July, while the installation of the traction power supply equipment is currently in progress.

Throughout July and August, key activities will include the inspection, testing, and commissioning of the TPS system, including the intertripping and interlocking systems.

These works are essential to ensure the readiness of the power supply system to support train testing activities at Wadi Hana Depot in Johor Baru in September, the statement added.

When completed, RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru to Woodlands North in Singapore.

It will facilitate the commute between Singapore and Johor Baru, with a train journey time of about five minutes between the two stations.

The RTS Link is targeted to commence passenger service by December next year.