Singapore forms taskforce to maximise RTS Link opportunities

It is set to launch by end-2026.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has formed a taskforce to help Singaporeans and local businesses tap into opportunities arising from the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, set to launch by end-2026.

Announced on 16 March by Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, the taskforce aims to revitalise Singapore’s heartland areas and support businesses through enhanced connectivity with Johor Bahru. The announcement was made at the Merchant Dollar Deal$ @ Woodlands event.

The taskforce, chaired by Tan, includes representatives from government agencies such as MTI, the Ministry of National Development (MND), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Ministry of Health (MOH), Enterprise Singapore, the Housing and Development Board (HDB), the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), and Woodlands Health.

Grassroots Advisors Mariam Jaafar and Hany Soh will serve as resource persons, working with stakeholders such as local businesses, heartland shops, and merchants' associations.

The taskforce will focus on two key objectives, namely exploring ways to leverage the RTS Link to rejuvenate heartland areas and identifying business opportunities arising from improved cross-border connectivity. The RTS Link, which will connect Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar stations in five minutes, is expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction once operational.

 "With Singaporeans looking forward to the opening of the RTS Link in end-2026, the Taskforce will work with stakeholders to rejuvenate our heartlands, support our local businesses, and build local spaces that can meet the needs of residents," said Tan.

The taskforce will consult heartland enterprises and local businesses before publishing its findings and recommendations in 2026.