1st new train for Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link unveiled, will be tested at Singapore Rail Test Centre

The first of eight trains for the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link has arrived in Singapore and was unveiled at a commemorative event at the recently opened Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) in Tuas on Jun 30.

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First RTS Link train delivered to Singapore Rail Test Centre for Off-site Systems Integration Testing

Interior of the RTS Link train. (Image: LTA/Facebook)

As reported by news outlets ST and CNA, the new driverless RTS Link trains are supplied by the Chinese manufacturer CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive. The first train, assembled at CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive’s facility in China, was delivered to Singapore’s Jurong Port on Apr 3.

The new four-car RTS Link train was then transported to SRTC to prepare for off-site systems integration testing that usually takes four months, to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, said ST.

Driver’s Console of the RTS Link Train, when not concealed. (Image: LTA/Facebook)

RTS Link’s operator, RTS Operations (RTSO), a joint venture between Singapore’s SMRT and Malaysia’s Prasarana, would be doing interfacing checks between various railway equipment, including the signalling system, platform screen doors, and communications system.

CNA reported that following the four-month off-site systems integration testing, the train will be moved to the actual RTS Link tracks for onsite testing with the seven other trains. This will simulate actual service, and ST reported it will last till the third quarter of 2026.

The remaining seven trains would be assembled at CRRC’s facility in Batu Gajah in Malaysia and will be delivered directly to RTS Link’s Wadi Hana train depot in Johor Bahru.

The first RTS Link train by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive

Foldable Seats on board the RTS Link train. (Image: LTA/Facebook)

The new RTS Link train, measuring 76.5m long, has an optimal capacity of 607 passengers and a maximum of 1,087 passengers, ST reported. Each train carriage has 32 seats, including four foldable ones for additional space to accommodate wheelchairs, prams, or luggage.

Various safety and accessibility features are also fitted on board the train, including a hearing induction loop system that uses a magnetic field to transmit public announcements directly to passengers using those devices.

This system is the first for trains in Singapore and Malaysia to be equipped on board, allowing the hearing-impaired to hear in-train announcements without background noise and distortion, a move to enhance safety and inclusivity.

The Passenger Information Display, or Dynamic Route Map Display, above each train door, in the RTS Link train. (Image: LTA/Facebook)

In pictures released, the driverless train, at a Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4), is also fitted with an abundance of onboard information systems. On the exterior, LED electronic destination signs are fitted at the front/rear and sides of the train.

Inside, each train door has a dynamic route map display fitted above, showing useful route information, and a display panel is mounted on the wall to show other relevant details.

Wall-mounted display panels in the RTS Link train interior. (Image: MOT/Facebook)

A bright-coloured interior was chosen, with silver seats, turquoise doors, and dark blue flooring. The train’s exterior livery comes in white, red, and blue – inspired by the colours of the Malaysia, Johor, and Singapore flags.

Train services would be available on the RTS Link from 6am to 12am daily

Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi (left), Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow (centre), and Malaysia’s Minister of Transport Anthony Loke (right). “Kereta api RTS pertama daripada lapan yang bakal beroperasi sudah tiba” / “The first of eight RTS trains to operate has arrived” (Image: Onn Hafiz Ghazi/Facebook)

When the RTS Link is operational from December 2026, trains will travel at 80km/h between Singapore’s Woodlands North and Johor Bahru’s Bukit Chagar, with a peak capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.

RTS Link train services will be available from 6am to 12am daily. It would take approximately 5 minutes to travel, and peak-hour train frequency would be 3.6 minutes.

At the joint press conference, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, said a market study is being conducted to determine “suitable fares” for the RTS Link and that efforts will be made to introduce an “open payment system” for buying tickets, Malaysia’s The Star reported.

Responding to queries on the RTS Link’s operating hours and the possibility of a 24-hour service, Mr Loke said, “No urban rail can operate for 24 hours” because downtime is definitely needed for maintenance.

He added: “But we also understand that those staying in Johor travel to Singapore even before 5am for work. I’m sure as we come nearer to the operational date, these issues will be addressed [by the rail operator].”

Singapore’s Woodlands North MRT station of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will be connected via an underground concourse to both the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) building and the Woodlands North RTS Link station.

Approximately ten times larger than a typical MRT station, the Woodlands North RTS station is constructed underground at a maximum depth of 28m. The station and CIQ building comprises three storeys, with two basement levels and an underground linkway.