4 days ago
Commuters hope new rail service enhances transborder mobility
Just arrived: The new RTS Link train has a white livery with red and blue accents, inspired by the harmonious colour palettes of Malaysia, Johor and Singapore's flags. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
THE unveiling of the new Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) train has commuters eagerly looking forward to the start of the cross-border rail service between Johor Baru and Singapore.
Among them is 23-year-old Khairul Anuar, who travels about two hours to his work place in Singapore daily.
'After looking at photos of the RTS Link train, I am looking forward to riding it once it is operational.
ALSO READ: Cross-border RTS Link train rolls in for testing
'Having the rail system will definitely make my daily commute to work faster and more efficient compared to my current mode of travel by bus,' he told StarMetro.
He added that the biggest benefit would be more rest as he would not need to leave his home so early to beat the traffic congestion on the Causeway.
Khairul expects to spend less time commuting to work.
'Right now, I have to leave my house at 8am if my work shift starts at 11am.
'With the RTS Link, I hope to enjoy at least an extra hour of sleep in the morning.'
Operations and retail executive Ngoi Chee Kein, 26, said affordability would be a key factor in encouraging usage.
'While I welcome the development as it is a much-needed boost to travel, I hope the ticket price will be affordable, especially since many Malaysians commute daily.
'It should be set between S$2 (RM6.60) and S$4 (RM13.20), which is roughly the current bus fare,' he said.
Ngoi expressed hope that the rail system would be reliable.
Ngoi hopes the RTS Link ticket will be affordable.
'My main concern is whether RTS Link will have technical issues in the future, because people will be relying on it as their main daily mode of transport,' he said, adding that alternative transport such as shuttle buses should be made available in case of emergencies.
For Lis Raman, 49, the RTS Link will offer a long-awaited alternative to traditional cross-border travel options.
'I am looking forward to using the service, which is long overdue.
'It can reduce travel hassle and improve quality of life,' said the Singapore-based training, research and development director, who travels to Johor Baru weekly via private hire car.
She currently spends RM50 to RM70 a week for her trips and said she would be willing to pay slightly more for added convenience.
'I do not mind a 10% to 15% increase, as it is an excellent trade-off for mental and physical health gain,' she said.
Lis does not mind paying 10% more for added convenience.
Lis said she would prefer the RTS Link to operate round-the-clock to accommodate late-night travellers.
'This level of flexibility is no longer alien in some well-developed countries.
'I would use the RTS Link for all my ad-hoc journeys,' she said.
Her concerns, however, lie in possible disruptions and maintenance issues.
'I hope there will be adequate parking for people who choose to park and ride and efforts made to prevent vandalism.
'I also want to know if there is any enforceable contingency plan in place from the management should the RTS Link service be disrupted,' she said.
Despite their concerns, all three agree that the RTS Link promises to reshape the daily commute and offer a more comfortable and efficient travel option across the Causeway, one of the busiest border crossings in the world. – By YEE XIANG YUN
