The Perfect Holiday Gift Gift Now

First of eight JB-S'pore RTS Link trains unveiled; system works 56% done

The Straits Times

|

July 01, 2025

It is set to undergo tests that ensure it works well with other rail systems

- Kok Yufeng

First of eight JB-S'pore RTS Link trains unveiled; system works 56% done

The first of eight driverless trains that will serve the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link was unveiled in Singapore on June 30, and it will be put through its paces at an $800 million testing centre in Tuas from July.

The delivery marks the latest milestone for the highly anticipated cross-border rail link, which observers say will be a significant driver of Singapore-Malaysia connectivity and economic growth when it starts passenger service by the end of 2026.

The unveiling of the new 76.5m-long, four-car train was commemorated at an event at the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC), attended by Singapore's Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

"The RTS Link is more than a transportation system and it is more than an engineering milestone," said Datuk Khairil Anwar Ahmad, chairman of RTS Operations (RTSO), a joint venture between Singapore transport operator SMRT and Malaysian public transport firm Prasarana that was appointed to run the rail line.

"It is actually a powerful symbol of our partnership that will deepen bilateral relations between both Malaysia and Singapore," he added.

Overall, works to install the RTS Link's systems are now 56 per cent complete, RTSO said on June 30.

MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times

The Straits Times

ATTACKING HELPS LEONARD LOCK IN

Celtics have to deal with inspiring Clippers star who gets focus from playing aggressively

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

LOH AND TEH CAN WIN MORE TITLES: COACH

Kim backs them for a better 2026, urges composure, consistency at Malaysia Open

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Soaring prices spark gold rush for new generation of fortune hunters in Australia

In the hinterlands of Australia’s historic goldfields, Ms Vicki Plumridge jumps for joy when she digs a small golden nugget out of the earth.

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Two new family service centres to open in Tengah and Bukit Panjang

Two new family service centres (FSCs) are expected to open in Tengah and Bukit Panjang by 2027, bringing the total number of such community-based centres to 51.

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Gimmie Rules will be hard to get past on current form

Jan 4 South Africa (Kenilworth) preview

time to read

1 min

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

F&B scene: More fast food coming your way

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a full one for fans of fast food, with the arrival of three global brands.

time to read

5 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Cambodia accuses Thailand of annexing border village

Cambodia said on Jan 2 that Thai forces had taken control of a disputed border village, accusing Thailand of \"annexing\" the area after a truce halted deadly fighting along their contested frontier a week ago.

time to read

1 min

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Retail: Rise of Chinese fashion and beauty brands

When thinking of the first market outside China for his massive network of upscale clothing stores, Mr Jin Chenhao knew the answer was clear: Singapore.

time to read

2 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Movies: Nostalgia the new normal

In 2026, the torrent of sequels will continue as Hollywood studios limp along in survival mode.

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Military-backed party in Myanmar takes lead in first phase of election

Myanmar's military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is leading after the first phase of a contentious general election, early results cited by the state media showed, in the first vote since a 2021 coup.

time to read

2 mins

January 04, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size