The opening of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is expected to be a new catalyst for Johor's economy as Singaporeans' spending in Johor Bahru is projected to increase by S$1.05 billion (about RM3.3 billion) annually after the route begins operations in January 2027.
A study conducted by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) and the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) shows that faster transport facilities will encourage more Singaporeans to come to Johor Bahru for shopping, dining, services and vacations.
The RTS Link is expected to add 11.2 million return trips from Singapore to Johor Bahru annually, averaging nearly 39,700 trips per day.
At the same time, Singapore is also expected to benefit as annual spending from visitors to Johor Bahru is projected to increase by S$756 million.
This increased connectivity is expected to attract more Johoreans to attend entertainment events, shop and source premium products in Singapore.
While benefiting both countries, the RTS Link is expected to increase competition in the retail and food and beverage (F&B) sectors, particularly in Singapore.
Businesses in the country are expected to focus on customer experience, innovation and increased productivity to maintain competitiveness when the four-kilometre RTS Link route becomes fully operational in January 2027.
