SINGAPORE: A market study is being conducted to determine the suitable fare for the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link), says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister stated that the study was being carried out by RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), which would also determine the pricing scheme.

“RTSO, the joint venture company formed between Prasarana RTS Operations Sdn Bhd and SMRT RTS Pte Ltd to operate the link service, will determine the fare mechanism, and I understand that they are doing the final market study to come up with the right pricing.

“We hope that with the right price mechanism in place, we can encourage more people to use the RTS Link.

“The whole idea of the project is to make a modal shift for people to use public transport to cross the Causeway. It is one of the important considerations to determine the price,” he told the media on Monday (June 30).

Loke and Singapore acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow held a joint press conference after unveiling the new RTS Link train at the Singapore Rail Test Centre near Tuas.

Loke also mentioned that efforts would be made to introduce an open payment system for ticket purchases, enhancing convenience for all commuters.

Asked about the link’s operating hours, Loke said it has not been finalised yet, but the pattern of Malaysians commuting to Singapore for work daily would be one of the deciding factors.

“No urban rail can operate for 24 hours because we definitely need downtime for some maintenance.

“But we also understand that those staying in Johor travel to Singapore even before 5am for work. I’m sure as we come nearer to the operational date, these issues will be addressed (by the rail operator),” he added.

The rail service would operate a train every 3.6 minutes during the shortest interval.

When completed, RTS Link would connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore.

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

The RTS Link is targeted to commence passenger service by December 2026.