KTMB Shuttle Tebrau To End Service In 2027 With Launch Of RTS Link

KTM Shuttle Tebrau to stop running in 2027

If you often travel between Malaysia and Singapore, you’ll be familiar with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Shuttle Tebrau. After over a decade of service, the rail service that connects the two countries will cease operations in 2027.

The decision comes as the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which covers the same route, is expected to launch that same year.

The end of the 12-year service

Image credit: Facebook

After a significant 12 years, the KTMB Shuttle Tebrau will stop servicing passengers within six months after the RTS Link launches on 1st January 2027. This was confirmed by Johor State Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, and reported by Berita Harian on 24th June.

The train route stretches 1.1km, connecting Johor Bahru Sentral in Malaysia with Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. It carries 8,635 passengers in both directions on 31 trips daily. A ticket from JB to Singapore costs RM5, and vice versa for SGD5 (~RM17.80).

When its usual service ends, the Shuttle Tebrau trains will support the JB Sentral-Kempas services and increase frequency on the route instead.

What is the RTS Link?

Similarly, the RTS Link is a rapid transit system designed to enhance connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. This new system will feature a 4km railway line and two main stations: Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore.

Image credit: MRT Corp

The RTS Link will be the first light rail system in Malaysia outside of the Klang Valley and will integrate with Singapore’s Thomson–East Coast MRT line at the Woodlands North station.

Alignment map for the RTS Link.
Image credit: MRT Corp

A new Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) facility will be built next to Bukit Chagar, and also a new Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) facility in Singapore. This will allow for pre-boarding clearance, streamlining the travel process for over 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, or over 40,000 passengers daily. A ride between the two countries will only span approximately 5 minutes.

Passengers will be able to clear immigration at their departing station and leave the station without going through border crossing formalities upon arrival.

Construction on the Malaysian section of the RTS Link began on 22nd November 2020, while work on the Singaporean section started on 22nd January 2021. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with operations scheduled to begin on the first day of 2027.

KTMB Shuttle Tebrau to end services in 2027

While we’ll have one less travel option between Malaysia and Singapore in 2027 with the end of the KTMB Shuttle Tebrau service, we can look forward to just as quick and efficient rides on the RTS Link.