SINGAPORE (March 16): Singapore has established a taskforce to help Singaporeans and local businesses seize opportunities and reap the benefits of the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry Ministry (MTI), in a statement, said that the taskforce, chaired by MTI Minister of State Alvin Tan, comprises members from several ministries and agencies, including the city-state's health ministry and the manpower ministry.

The taskforce will consult heartland enterprises and local businesses, and aim to put out its findings and recommendations in 2026.

“With Singaporeans looking forward to the opening of the RTS Link at the end of 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,” Tan said.

He is confident that the taskforce members and advisers will offer insightful perspectives and useful ideas to keep Singapore’s heartland estates vibrant, and help local enterprises seize new opportunities.

The RTS Link is targeted to commence passenger service at the end of 2026.

When operational, the RTS Link will have a peak capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with a train journey time of about five minutes between the Woodlands North station and Bukit Chagar station.

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