RTS Link project moves forward as first train completes testing in Singapore

SINGAPORE: The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) project has reached another significant milestone, with the first train successfully completing off-site system integration testing at the Singapore Railway Test Centre.

In a Facebook post, Singapore’s public transport operator SMRT announced that the board of directors and management of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Corporation hosted the first off-site system integration test of a train at the test centre last week.

According to SMRT, this test is a crucial step in validating the train system’s overall functionality and identifying potential issues early. By simulating real train operations, engineers can gain a deeper understanding of how the various subsystems interact and ensure smoother performance during future operations.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who inspected the RTS project site in Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru yesterday (Nov 3), said that Malaysia will begin test runs of the new trains this month. The trains are expected to arrive in Johor Bahru in the middle of November, with initial testing scheduled to begin between mid-November and December.

The minister added that full-scale testing is expected to take place in July next year, with the Malaysian contractor working hard to complete construction by the end of 2026. The project is on track to commence passenger operations in January 2027.

The overall progress of the RTS Link stands at about 65% completion, and the authorities aim to conduct a “fault-free run” in July 2026, as the next key step towards operational readiness.