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๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore /Culture & Society

RTS Link commuters can clear immigration in seconds, claims project director

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link aims to clear immigration in seconds upon its early 2027 opening.
  • The integrated Bukit Chagar complex will feature 100 e-gate lanes, body scanners, and QR code or passport clearance.
  • The RTS Link is expected to transform daily commutes for the 350,000 people currently using the Causeway.

Commuters using the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will soon experience immigration clearance in mere seconds, according to project director Zulkifli Mohamed. The system, slated to begin operations in early 2027, is designed for maximum efficiency at the Bukit Chagar integrated immigration, customs, and quarantine (ICQ) complex.

Passengers will first pass through body scanners capable of detecting prohibited items before proceeding to one of the 100 e-gate lanes. These lanes support clearance via QR code or passport, ensuring a swift process. Should a scanner detect anything suspicious, travelers will be directed to a secondary counter to avoid disrupting the flow.

There are 100 e-gate lanes at the ICQ complex, which are designed to support immigration clearance by QR code or passport.

โ€” Zulkifli Mohameddescribing the efficiency measures at the Bukit Chagar ICQ complex.

The Bukit Chagar ICQ complex is also equipped with amenities such as a nursing room, prayer spaces, and self-service ticket kiosks. Transport Minister Anthony Loke is scheduled to visit the site on Aug 18 to review the RTS Link's progress. The RTS Link, a 4km shuttle service connecting Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, is projected to handle 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction and significantly ease the daily burden on the Causeway, which currently serves 350,000 commuters.

If the scanner detects suspicious elements, the operator will guide the traveller to a second counter for further checks to avoid disrupting traffic flow.

โ€” Zulkifli Mohamedexplaining the process for handling potential security issues detected by body scanners.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.