Competitive Fares Crucial for RTS Link's Daily Commuters

Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link: Competitive Fares Critical for Daily Commuter Adoption

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is a four-kilometre rail shuttle connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, designed to alleviate congestion on the Causeway. Operated jointly by Malaysia's Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Singapore's SMRT Corporation, the line targets up to 300,000 daily passengers, though fares critical to its success have not yet been announced as of September 2026. Urban planning academic Safizahanin Mokhtar from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has publicly stated that ticket pricing will determine whether the system reaches its adoption targets for cross-border commuters.

Key Facts

The RTS Link's previously estimated one-way fare of S$5 to S$7 (RM15 to RM22) is considered by urban planning experts to be potentially higher than existing cross-border options.

How Much Will the RTS Link Cost Compared to Buses and KTM Shuttle Tebrau?

Publicly available information indicates that the RTS Link's one-way fare should be approximately S$3.50 (RM11.30) to S$4 (RM12.90) to remain competitive, according to UTM senior lecturer Safizahanin Mokhtar. This proposed pricing compares directly with bus fares ranging from S$3.50 to S$5 (RM11.30 to RM16.10) and the KTM Shuttle Tebrau at RM10, offering a baseline for commuter expectations in 2026.

“For Malaysian workers commuting to Singapore, a reasonable daily allocation would be around SGD7 to SGD9 (around RM22 to RM29) for a return trip, depending on their income, occupation and professional level,” said Safizahanin Mokhtar, senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) department of urban and regional planning.

— Safizahanin Mokhtar as reported by The Star

However, the higher previously indicated fare range of S$5 to S$7 (RM15 to RM22) one-way could reduce the service's edge over existing alternatives, potentially limiting ridership to professional and business travellers rather than daily wage earners. Transport affordability studies suggest fares should not exceed 5% to 8% of a user's monthly income, with the World Bank placing the ceiling at 10%.

What Fare Level Could Reduce Causeway Congestion?

An optimal RTS Link fare structure is projected to reduce vehicles crossing the Johor Causeway by 40% to 50%, whereas higher ticket prices could limit that reduction to just 10% to 15%, according to the academic source. With the RTS set to enter its testing phase as of August 2026, the fare decision remains a critical determinant of its impact on cross-border traffic.

If fares are set significantly higher than buses or KTM Shuttle Tebrau, the modal shift could drop to 150,000 to 180,000 daily users, well below the 300,000-user target. Lower-income and semi-skilled workers may continue choosing buses or private vehicles, undermining the project's core objective of reducing Causeway congestion through increased public transport adoption.

Safizahanin proposed a hybrid cost-recovery model where fares cover 65% to 75% of operating costs, with the remaining 25% to 35% supported by subsidies from both Malaysia and Singapore. An initial basic one-way fare of around SGD3.50 (RM11.30) to SGD4 (RM12.90), paired with monthly passes, could help stabilise financial operations as passenger numbers grow.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The RTS Link is designed for Malaysian daily commuters working in Singapore, particularly those living in Johor Bahru and surrounding areas who currently depend on buses, KTM Shuttle Tebrau, taxis, or e-hailing services for cross-border travel. For this demographic, the daily return commute budget is identified as roughly RM22 to RM29, according to the UTM academic.

The service appeals specifically to cost-sensitive workers who prioritise affordable, reliable cross-border transport, as well as professionals seeking shorter travel times. The academic warns that higher fares could bifurcate ridership, favouring professionals and business travellers while excluding lower-income and semi-skilled workers who may remain reliant on cheaper, existing options.

Comparison of Cross-Border Transport Options (2026 Estimates)

The RTS Link will need to undercut or match the S$3.50–S$5 (RM11.30–RM16.10) bus fare range and the RM10 KTM Shuttle Tebrau fare to attract its target 300,000 daily commuters.

Common Questions

Will the RTS Link fare be competitive with buses for daily commuters?

According to UTM's Safizahanin Mokhtar, the RTS Link must price one-way trips at S$3.50 (RM11.30) to S$4 (RM12.90) to compete with buses, which cost S$3.50 to S$5 (RM11.30 to RM16.10). Previously indicated fares of S$5 to S$7 (RM15 to RM22) could make it less competitive.

What is the recommended daily commute budget to Singapore by RTS Link?

A reasonable daily allocation for Malaysian workers commuting to Singapore is around SGD7 to SGD9 (roughly RM22 to RM29) for a return trip, depending on income, occupation, and professional level, says the urban planning academic from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

How will RTS Link fares affect traffic congestion on the Causeway?

Optimal fares could reduce vehicles crossing the border by 40% to 50%, while higher fares might limit the reduction to 10% to 15%. This is because lower-income workers may continue using buses or private vehicles if RTS Link prices are significantly higher.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a report by Paul Tan's Automotive News, published on 9 September 2026, which cited The Star and quoted Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) senior lecturer Safizahanin Mokhtar. The RTS Link testing phase status was referenced from a previous Paultan.org report dated 19 August 2026. Currency conversions from SGD to RM are approximate and based on rates implied in the source material; readers should verify current exchange rates. The fare figures presented are estimates or proposals reported by the source, not official pricing, as the fare and start date are pending joint announcement by Malaysia and Singapore. This article was last updated on 12 June 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the cited Paultan.org source material.