ISKANDAR PUTERI: A public transport integration committee is being formed to improve the service in Johor Baru in preparation for the rapid transit system link (RTS Link) which is scheduled to complete in 2026.

       Johor works, transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the committee would map out passenger routes for the RTS Link, which connects Johor Baru and Woodlands in Singapore.

       “The plan will integrate the state’s Muafakat Johor free bus service and commercial buses, Iskandar Rapid Transit, Gemas-Johor Baru electrified double-tracking rail.

       “It will also look at the possibility of a light rail transit service in the city,” he said at the state assembly sitting here on Wednesday (June 22).

       Mohamad Fazli was answering a question from Liew Chin Tong (PH-Perling) on the state government’s plans to improve the public transport system in Johor Baru in preparation for the RTS Link.

       He said the efforts were to complement the 4km-long RTS Link development that links the Bukit Chagar station in Johor Baru with the Woodlands North station.

       “The RTS Link is 17% completed as of May 30 and is expected to reach the 35% mark for the construction of the rail, station and depot and 25% for the immigration, customs and quarantine (ICQ) system by the end of the year,” he said.

       Mohamad Fazli added that the Johor Baru City Council also planned to develop central parking lots at the proposed Plaza Seni and Danga City Mall to address parking issues in the city.