Johor bahru: Johor and Singapore will continue strengthening bilateral cooperation in cross-border transportation to allow greater mobility for the public and stimulate sustainable regional economic growth. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the matter was discussed during a meeting with Singapore's Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow on the third day of his official visit to the island republic.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the progress of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, scheduled to begin operations in January 2027, was the focus of discussions during the meeting. Coordinating its operation schedule, fare structure, and integration of Johor and Singapore's public transport systems were aspects of note.

"Several suggestions brought up . include adding the number of cross-border buses by five major operators, SBS Transit, Causeway Link, SMRT Buses, Transtar Travel and Bas AC7, with earlier recommended operating hours than the current 5 am. This is to tackle congestion and to smooth the flow of traffic at the Johor Causeway and the Immigration Complex," he posted on Facebook today.

A suggestion to introduce cross-border e-hailing services was a novel approach as it would not only offer better flexibility that catered to customers' needs but had the potential to reduce congestion and boost the incomes of local drivers, he said.

A specific study on the potential of the Tuas ferry service as an alternative cross-border transport service was also mooted during the discussion, with the study assessing the true level of demand and identifying the needs and impact as a complement to existing systems like the RTS Link and land routes.

"This initiative has the potential of reducing dependence on the Johor Causeway and the Second Link and would open up more travel choices that are flexible, comfortable and efficient," he added.