RTS Link Bukit Chagar to Connect with KTM Komuter

RTS Link Bukit Chagar Direct Connection with KTM Komuter: Project Overview

The RTS Link Bukit Chagar direct connection is a RM60 million dedicated linkage project by the Malaysian Ministry of Transport, designed to integrate the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link station with the existing Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Komuter service. This project solves the problem of circuitous transfers between the two transit systems at Johor Bahru Sentral, enabling passengers to use a direct pedestrian viaduct to access the RTS station. The construction work will be implemented by the Ministry of Transport, and the project is scheduled for a completion period of approximately 12 months.

According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, this additional project has received approval from the Ministry of Economy and will enhance public transport integration. This RM60 million pedestrian linkage will shorten the walking distance between the KTM Komuter station and the RTS Station Bukit Chagar without requiring commuters to make a distant turn using existing JB Sentral routes.

Key Facts: RTS Link Bukit Chagar to KTM Linkage

What Does the RTS Link to KTM Komuter Direct Connection Do?

The Bukit Chagar to KTM Komuter direct linkage is a pedestrian viaduct infrastructure that physically connects the RTS Link Bukit Chagar station to the nearby KTM Komuter platform. The new link provides a contiguous indoor path so passengers can transfer between the Malaysian KTM rail network and the cross-border RTS transit without exiting the station area or navigating the existing indirect route at JB Sentral.

The Minister of Transport confirmed that the link will enable passengers who use the KTMB Komuter service to continue their journey directly to the RTS Link Bukit Chagar station via the overhead bridge. This project will encourage more users to rely on public transport to enter or exit Bukit Chagar, according to official statements. This connectivity will cut the walking journey between the Komuter and RTS systems and will enhance transfer efficiency for Johor Bahru commuters.

Why Is Malaysia Building the RM60 Million Bukit Chagar Linkage?

The Malaysian government is building this RM60 million Bukit Chagar linkage to support a multi-modal public transport hub and to maximise the ridership potential of the RTS Link which will begin operations on January 1, 2027. Currently, passengers who use the KTM Komuter service to reach Bukit Chagar are forced to make a far turn at the existing JB Sentral route, which is inconvenient and discourages integrated transport use.

The Ministry of Transport aims to promote public transit usage to and from Bukit Chagar by making it easier for commuters to transfer seamlessly between the KTM network and the RTS. Beyond the physical corridor, the federal government is planning additional support infrastructure, including the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) 2.0 program, to ensure passengers from Johor Bahru housing areas have robust transport options.

“Apabila siap nanti, penumpang yang menggunakan KTM Komuter dan berhenti di stesen KTMB Komuter boleh terus sambung perjalanan ke Stesen RTS Bukit Chagar.”

— Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport (source: Careta / Awani)

What Is the RTS Link Integrated With?

Beyond the KTM Komuter connection, the RTS Link Bukit Chagar station is designed as a multi-modal public transport hub that also integrates with JB Sentral, e-hailing services, and other public transport modes. The government’s broader strategy also includes the deployment of at least 200 new buses as part of the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) 2.0 to cover housing areas around Johor Bahru, with most routes directed toward Bukit Chagar.

The Ministry of Transport is currently finalising agreements with operators for the bus services, with final awards requiring approval from the Ministry of Finance. The bus expansion is planned to coincide with the opening of the RTS Link, ensuring that passenger dispersal can be handled effectively. This comprehensive integration plan solidifies Bukit Chagar’s role as a multi-modal transit hub for Malaysian and cross-border travellers.

Common Questions

How much does the RTS Link Bukit Chagar to KTM connection cost?

The direct connection project will cost RM60 million. The cost covers the construction of a new viaduct link that connects the KTMB Komuter station directly to the RTS Link Bukit Chagar Station, easing the transfer path for passengers.

When will the RTS Link Bukit Chagar and the KTM connection be ready?

The direct connection is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete. Meanwhile, the RTS Link is scheduled to begin operations on 1 January of the upcoming year (2027), with the station currently in testing and commissioning phases.

What is the passenger capacity of the RTS Link?

The RTS Link is expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction when operational. It connects Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, providing a significant cross-border travel alternative.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: “RTS Link Bukit Chagar Bakal Disambung Terus Dengan KTM Komuter” by Firdaus Razani, published on Careta (https://careta.my/article/rts-link-bukit-chagar-bakal-disambung-terus-dengan-ktm-komuter), dated 18-08-2026, citing Malaysian news agency Awani. All pricing is original in Ringgit Malaysia (RM); no currency conversion was required. The original language is Malay and was translated into English. The article synthesises direct statements made by Transport Minister Anthony Loke at the Bukit Chagar RTS Link project site.

This article was last updated on 18 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the cited Careta source. Further specifics on the technical construction method of the viaduct or exact reduction in walking time were not provided in the source material.