JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link construction is ahead of its planned schedule, with 70.45 per cent of its rail infrastructure completed by the end of March, exceeding its target by over three percent.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the focus was now on enhancing supporting infrastructures in the vicinity, including the Bukit Chagar Immigration, Custom and Quarantine (ICQ) complex.

He said Bukit Chagar should be a transportation hub that offers direct, seamless connections to nearby buildings and is easily accessible on foot.

Once the RTS Link is completed on Dec 31, 2026, massive congestion is anticipated in the city centre, with passengers driving their respective vehicles to get to the station.

"The government has invested over RM200 million in public transportation infrastructure in Johor Baru to alleviate the anticipated traffic congestion.

"Essential supporting infrastructure, including pedestrian bridges and parking spaces to improve station access and connectivity is necessary to ensure seamless, optimal connectivity and mobility.

"Main roads namely Jalan Tebrau and Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, with elevated flyovers should connect directly and seamless to Bukit Chagar Immigration, Custom and Quarantine (ICQ)," he said today.

To further bolster seamless traffic flow, the minister said there will be multiple access points to the ICQ Complex from Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Jalan Tebrau, Jalan Jim Quee, and Jalan Tunku Azizah.

"Supporting facilities such as pedestrian bridges and parking spaces are under construction will enhance accessibility to the RTS Link station."

Loke said pedestrian bridges will linked to nearby shopping centres and the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD)

"There must be convenient accessibility and connectivity for RTS Link passengers to various locations in the vicinity by foot.

"The ICQ Complex and RTS Link station will be directly connected to the KTM JB Sentral Station via a pedestrian bridge, enhancing the integration of services between RTS, KTMB, and MyBas Johor Baru."

He added the government is also looking at the possibility of using the Gemas-Johor Baru electrified double-tracking rail project (Gemas-JB EDTP) track, to ensure people from other districts in Johor, are able to access to the RTS Link station directly.

"We are looking at other transportation methods including commuters to ensure connectivity to RTS Link stations," he said, adding that public transportation usage in Johor is expected to keep growing with the completion of the RTS Link project.

"Plans to integrate other rail systems to support first-mile and last-mile connectivity, are underway."

Earlier Loke witnessed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd (CPSB) and Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), for the development of a pedestrian overhead bridge.

The pedestrian overhead bridge will connect Coronation Square to the RTS Link Bukit Chagar station.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1042559/rts-link-surpasses-schedule-focus-now-supporting-infrastructure-direct