For travelers and daily commuters between Johor Bahru and Singapore, cost is a key factor when choosing a mode of transport. The JB RTS Link is set to provide a fast and efficient cross-border alternative, but how does it compare in terms of cost with existing options such as buses, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, and private vehicles?
This guide provides a breakdown of expected fares for the RTS Link and compares them with other cross-border transport options, helping passengers decide which mode offers the best balance of cost and convenience.
Expected Fare for JB RTS Link
While the final ticket prices have not been officially announced, estimates suggest the RTS Link fare will be:
- RM 15 – RM 20 (SGD 4.50 – SGD 6.00) per trip
- Possible discounts for frequent commuters, students, and seniors
- Monthly travel passes may be available for daily users
Cost Comparison by Transport Mode
| Transport Mode | Estimated One-Way Fare | Monthly Cost (Commuter, 20 days) | Additional Costs | Travel Time (Incl. Immigration) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JB RTS Link | RM 15 – RM 20 (SGD 4.50 – 6.00) | RM 600 – RM 800 (SGD 180 – 240) | None (cashless system) | 10 – 20 minutes |
| KTM Shuttle Tebrau | RM 5 (SGD 1.50) | RM 200 (SGD 60) | Must book in advance | 20 – 40 minutes |
| Cross-Border Bus | RM 4 – RM 7 (SGD 1.20 – 2.50) | RM 160 – RM 280 (SGD 50 – 85) | Longer waiting times | 45 – 120 minutes |
| Private Car | RM 30 – RM 60 (SGD 10 – 20) | RM 1,200 – RM 2,400 (SGD 350 – 700) | Fuel, tolls, ERP charges | 30 – 120 minutes |
| Motorcycle | RM 5 – RM 10 (SGD 1.50 – 3.00) | RM 200 – RM 400 (SGD 60 – 120) | Fuel, tolls, parking | 30 – 60 minutes |
Breakdown of Costs by Transport Type
JB RTS Link
- Moderate pricing compared to buses but significantly faster
- Eliminates waiting times at immigration checkpoints
- No hidden costs like fuel, tolls, or vehicle maintenance
- Best option for daily commuters looking for reliability
KTM Shuttle Tebrau
- Cheapest rail option but requires advance ticket bookings
- Lower frequency than RTS Link, leading to possible delays
- Less flexibility for spontaneous travel
Cross-Border Bus
- Most affordable public transport option
- Long travel time due to Causeway congestion
- Crowded during peak hours and limited seating availability
- Best for occasional travelers who prioritize cost over time
Private Car
- Most expensive transport option due to fuel, tolls, and parking fees
- Unpredictable travel time due to traffic jams
- Best suited for families or groups traveling together to split costs
Motorcycle
- Cheaper than cars but still requires fuel and toll costs
- Faster than buses during congestion but still subject to immigration delays
- More flexibility than public transport, but limited to solo or two-person travel
Which Option is the Best Value?
| Traveler Type | Best Transport Option | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Commuters | JB RTS Link | Reliable, fast, and avoids traffic delays |
| Budget Travelers | KTM Shuttle Tebrau or Bus | Lower fares but longer travel time |
| Occasional Travelers | RTS Link or KTM Shuttle | Faster than buses, no need to book in advance for RTS Link |
| Families & Groups | Private Car | Can split costs, more flexibility |
| Motorcyclists | Motorcycle | Cost-effective, but affected by weather and traffic |
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