MB: Alternative routes necessary

The Johor government has reiterated the need for the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS) project as among the alternatives to the Causeway, which suffers from daily traffic gridlock.

Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the sheer number of vehicles plying the Causeway had necessitated the project and expressed hope that it would take place despite the postponement.

He said apart from RTS, the state also wished for a third bridge to be built connecting Johor and Singapore.

“A huge number of Johoreans commute across the Causeway daily. So, yes, it is our hope for (the RTS project) to take place. We want the RTS and we also welcome (any plans for) the third bridge.

“Any development to facilitate the travel between here and Singapore for Johoreans is very much welcomed,” Dr Sahruddin said after presenting Hari Raya cash aid to 100 students at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia yesterday.

State Works, Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said the postponement period would be used to look into RTS execution, design and cost to ensure affordable fare for passengers in the future.

“RTS will help alleviate traffic (on the Causeway). It will also lead to a positive impact on Johor’s economy and prove that Malaysia-Singapore can cooperate in resolving issues,” he said.

Solihan added that RTS would be a boon to tourism and proposed the setting up of a ferry network between the two countries to accommodate existing routes.