Malaysia Seeks Temporary Continuation of Shuttle Tebrau After RTS Link Launch
Malaysia has requested Singapore’s consideration to temporarily continue the KTM Shuttle Tebrau rail service after the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link becomes operational. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the matter had been raised previously with the Singapore government but no decision has been made. Under the existing bilateral agreement governing the cross‑border rail link, the Shuttle Tebrau service is scheduled to cease six months after RTS operations begin, according to official reporting.
The RTS Link project is a major cross‑border transport initiative designed to improve connectivity between Johor Bahru and Singapore. The development forms part of wider efforts to strengthen regional mobility and complements Malaysia’s broader push towards integrated and sustainable transport planning, outlined in initiatives such as Malaysia’s digital and sustainable transport strategy.
Request to Maintain Existing Cross-Border Rail Service
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the RTS Link project site, the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex, and the RTS Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru on 3 April, Mr Loke said Malaysia hopes the current KTM service can remain in operation for a limited period following the launch of the new system.
“Although Malaysia hopes that this service can be maintained temporarily, this requires Singapore’s approval. If we follow the agreement, we must acknowledge and accept that the bilateral agreement for the RTS Link also requires the KTM Shuttle Tebrau to be terminated six months after the RTS Link is operational,” — Anthony Loke, Transport Minister, Malaysia
The Shuttle Tebrau service has operated since 1 July 2015, connecting JB Sentral and the Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. The journey takes around five minutes across the Malaysia–Singapore border.
Currently, the service operates 31 trips in each direction daily and can accommodate up to 8,635 passengers per day. Fares are set at RM5 for travel from JB Sentral to Woodlands and S$5 for journeys in the opposite direction.
Future Use of the Existing Rail Corridor
The Johor state government has previously suggested that the 1.1‑kilometre route currently used by Shuttle Tebrau could potentially be repurposed once the service ends. One proposal involves converting the alignment into a dedicated corridor for motorcycles or pedestrians, providing a safer alternative route across the border.
Transport infrastructure planning in Malaysia increasingly considers how existing assets can be repurposed to support evolving mobility needs, including emerging technologies and smarter transport ecosystems. Related initiatives, such as research into physical AI applications for mobility and robotics, reflect the country’s broader interest in modernising transport systems.
Fare Structure and Seasonal Pass Under Review
The fare structure for the RTS Link is still under study. Mr Loke said the service operator, RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), is conducting a review, with final pricing expected to be determined in the third quarter of the year.
Proposals to introduce a seasonal pass for frequent travellers are also under consideration. Any such scheme would require discussion with RTSO and approval from the company’s board.
Mr Loke indicated that subsidies linked to a seasonal pass would likely be limited to each country’s citizens. In practice, this would mean Malaysia covering any subsidy for Malaysian commuters, while Singapore would determine arrangements for its own residents.
