RTS Link fare proposal to be presented by Q3, says Loke

JOHOR BAHRU, April 3 — The proposed fare structure for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is expected to be submitted for the Malaysian and Singaporean governments’ approval by the third quarter (Q3) of this year, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said that the project’s joint operator, RTS Operations Pte Ltd, will present the proposed rates to both governments.

“The Land Public Transport Agency in Malaysia and the Land Transport Authority in Singapore will need to approve the proposed fare rates before it is officially announced,” Loke told reporters after a project briefing at the CIQ complex here today.

While the official rates are pending, Loke acknowledged that previously reported one-way fares ranging from RM15.50 to RM21.70 reflected commercial principles.

Addressing calls for a season pass for frequent travellers, Loke said the government welcomes the proposal but stressed that any such scheme must be commercially sustainable.

He noted that because the RTS Link is an international service, it would not be eligible for the government subsidies that typically support season passes on domestic public transport lines.

“The operators have to take into consideration the commercial sustainability without any government subsidies,” he said, adding that the matter would need to be discussed with RTS Operations Pte Ltd.