Commuters push for RTS decision

Commuters push for RTS decision

Commuters want the government to make a decision soon on the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) project.

Mohammad Rizal Syed, 37, said that although the project was introduced by the previous Barisan Nasional government, the Pakatan Harapan government should have continued with the project.

“The project was introduced to help ease the people’s burden.

“It is clearly a facility that both Malaysia and Singapore need, so why should the new government postpone something that is good?

He said the project would be be­­neficial in the long term and enhance the relationship between both countries.

“If they go through with the project, I’m sure people will opt for RTS instead of driving as it will reduce the commuting time,” Mohammad Rizal said, adding that the government should be honest with the people.

Another commuter, Desmond Wong, 58, said the project would ensure a smooth flow of travel between both countries.

“With an additional travel option such as the RTS, people can better plan their time because currently, we only have one train service provided by KTM,” he said.

Wong added that the review of the agreement should not take up too much time as the longer it was postponed, the longer the people would have to wait.

“I am not saying that the current service is poor but it gets congested during peak hours because we have hundreds of thousands of people commuting to work every day.

“If the government feels that it should renegotiate and reorganise, then go ahead but don’t take up too much time,” he said.

Kelly Wong, 27, said there was no good in delaying the RTS Link project.

“The reason they postponed the matter was to save cost. But how do you save cost when prices of materials are increasing every day?

“People who don’t travel frequently will not be affected but those who commute every day feel the urgent need for such a facility.

“So I really hope the government can speed up the matter,” she said.

Earlier, The Star reported that Transport Minister Anthony Loke had requested a six-month extension from Singapore to make a decision on the RTS Link project.

“We are asking for more time from Singapore for us to study other options.

“Of course, we are looking at the cost of the project and how we can reduce the cost further. We are asking for a six-month extension until September,” he said.

The project, signed early 2018, was initially scheduled for construc­tion this year and was expected to be completed by December 2024.

The RTS Link project would cover 4km of rail between Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru, and Woodlands, Singa­pore, with the capacity to ferry 10,000 passengers an hour.By REMAR NORDIN

~News courtesy of The Star~