THE PRIME ministers of Malaysia and Singapore witnessed a significant moment in the construction of the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) when the structure was ceremonially connected with the insertion of the middle span, thus "bonding" the two countries.
This connection effectively marks the meeting point of the project's marine viaduct over the straits between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
The rail shuttle system is expected to commence service at the end of 2026 with a peak capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
This was the first time that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Lee Hsien Loong have met at the project site, demonstrating both countries’ commitment to the project estimated to cost RM10 billion.
During the ceremony, Anwar and Lee also signed a plaque to symbolically etch the dedication of the neighbouring countries for the project which is on schedule, having reached a progress level of 65 percent as of December 31 last year.
Also present at the event this morning were Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Singapore's Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat and Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The two premiers also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
The RTS Link is a 4km shuttle service between Bukit Chagar station in Johor and Woodlands North station in Singapore.
It is expected that with the introduction of the service, some of the travelling challenges faced by Malaysians and Singaporeans would be resolved.
Meanwhile, Loke and Chee expressed optimism that the project will be completed smoothly at a press conference after the ceremony.
Chee said the fares for the ride will be determined commercially by the operating company, RTS Operations, once the shuttle service opens for public passengers.
The company will have to consider certain factors, such as the demand for the service, and also the cost of running it efficiently on a financially sustainable basis.
Chee was also reported by CNA as saying that the project is "much more than building bridges".
"It is about building stronger ties between the people of Singapore and the people of Malaysia. It is also about building a better future for both countries, strengthening our longstanding friendship, and creating more win-win opportunities for our businesses and citizens in the areas of common interests and mutual benefit.
"With good bilateral ties, this same approach can be extended to other areas and future projects between our two countries," he was quoted as saying.
Loke said the service will lead to reduction of traffic congestion on the causeway by 35 per cent.
"We must ensure that our infrastructure meets the demands of one of the world's busiest border crossings," he said. – The Vibes, January 11, 2024
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