Johor Bahru is set to witness a transformative urban development adjacent to the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link station, marking a significant step in cross-border connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. The 4.23-acre mixed-use project, a collaboration between MRT Corp and Sunway Group, will feature a multi-storey park-and-ride facility, serviced apartments, educational institutions, and a wellness center. With construction kicking off next month, the first phase—a parking hub for 1,550 cars and 1,015 motorcycles—is slated for completion by November 2024, while full amenities are expected by early 2033.
The RM2.6 billion development is strategically positioned to integrate seamlessly with the Bukit Chagar RTS Station, which will link Johor Bahru to Singapore’s Woodlands North MRT station by December 2026. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized the project’s role in alleviating Causeway congestion, calling it a model for sustainable urban planning. “This partnership exemplifies Malaysia’s capability in delivering world-class infrastructure,” Loke remarked during the agreement signing, highlighting the long-term benefits of combining transit and property development.
Beyond serving as a transit hub, the project will connect with Johor Bahru’s existing transport networks, including KTM trains and city buses, while also accommodating future intra-city rail services. While details on retail spaces and residential units remain undisclosed, the development underscores Malaysia’s push for smarter, interconnected urban spaces. Notably, plans for a similar venture with Hong Kong’s MTR Corp were shelved, though no reasons were provided for the change in partners.
The RTS Link itself promises to revolutionize cross-border travel, cutting peak-hour commutes to just five minutes while handling 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. As construction progresses on both sides of the strait—including Singapore’s CIQ-integrated Woodlands North station—the project signals a new era of regional mobility. For Johor Bahru, this development not only eases congestion but also positions the city as a key node in Malaysia’s urban and economic growth strategy.