Malaysia is implementing plans to ease traffic congestion in Johor Bahru city centre ahead of the scheduled January 1, 2027 launch of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link [1, 2, 3, 4]. The RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore, with an expected capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction [1, 2, 3, 4].
The federal Transport Ministry, working with the Johor state government, is drawing up traffic dispersal plans to prevent new bottlenecks and manage changing travel patterns around the city centre and RTS connection areas [1, 2, 3, 4]. These plans include improving coordination among agencies and integrating public transportation systems.
On July 2, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced government funding for the Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) project, aimed at addressing congestion expected after the RTS Link begins operations [1, 2, 3, 4]. The government also plans to expand the BAS.MY bus service to 28 routes, deploying 254 buses, including electric models [1, 2, 3, 4].
Under the Stage Bus Transformation Programme 2.0 (SBST 2.0), 157 buses will be allocated to routes serving key transport hubs Johor Bahru Sentral and Bukit Chagar. This enhanced bus service is expected to start in early 2027, coinciding with the RTS Link launch period [1, 2, 3, 4].
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who chaired the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion meeting on August 17 to discuss these plans, said, "This approach is in line with the aspiration for a more integrated, efficient, safe and people-friendly public transport system, particularly in supporting smoother cross-border mobility" [1].
The government is moving swiftly to ensure the city’s transport network can handle the anticipated increase in passenger flow with the RTS Link’s startup less than five months away. The E-ART project, expanded bus service, and coordinated agency efforts all aim to maintain smooth traffic flow and public transit efficiency by the January 1, 2027 RTS Link opening [1, 2, 3, 4].
