Share
JOHOR BAHRU (Aug 18): The government will build a bridge between the Bukit Chagar Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Station and KTMB Komuter service to strengthen public transport integration and facilitate passenger access to the transit system.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the additional project, costing RM60 million, has been approved by the Ministry of Economy and will be executed by the Ministry of Transport.
He said KTMB Komuter service passengers would be able to walk directly to the Bukit Chagar RTS Station, without a detour through the existing route at JB Sentral.
"This will make it easier for many passengers. We want to encourage RTS Link users to take public transport to reach Bukit Chagar or to exit from Bukit Chagar," he told reporters after a visit to the RTS Link project at Bukit Chagar here on Tuesday.
Loke said the project is expected to take about 12 months to complete and will shorten the distance between the Komuter station and the RTS Link.
He said the government is also working on the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) 2.0, which involves adding at least 200 new buses to provide services from residential areas around Johor Bahru to Bukit Chagar.
The agreement with the operator is being finalised, and the final award will be approved by the Ministry of Finance.
Loke added that the expansion of bus services is scheduled to coincide with the opening of the RTS Link, to ensure more effective passenger dispersal.
He said the Bukit Chagar RTS Link Station will also be integrated with JB Sentral, e-hailing services and other public transport, making it a multi-modal public transport hub.
Meanwhile, Loke said the physical construction of the building, the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex, and RTS Link station has been completed, and the project is now in the testing and commissioning phase.
He said this phase involves system integration testing, followed by fault-free and trial runs to ensure all systems are functioning properly before the station is open to the public.
The RTS Link is scheduled to begin operations on Jan 1 next year and is expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru with Woodlands North in Singapore.
..........
EdgeProp monthly brings you data, insights and solutions for an evolving market. Subscribe now for your free copy!
