SINGAPORE: Singapore customers are anticipated to spend considerably extra in Johor Bahru than Malaysian guests spend in Singapore every year after the Fast Transit System (RTS) Hyperlink begins operations, in response to a examine led by the Singapore Enterprise Federation.
The report estimates that the cross-border rail connection will generate a further S$1.05 billion in annual spending by Singapore customers in Johor Bahru. Compared, guests travelling from Johor Bahru to Singapore are projected to contribute about S$756 million in additional annual spending.
That leaves a spot of round S$290 million, which the examine famous is equal to roughly 0.4 per cent of Singapore’s whole retail and meals and beverage gross sales recorded in 2025.
The findings spotlight the numerous improve in cross-border journey anticipated as soon as the RTS Hyperlink is operational. Earlier than the venture, travellers made round 19.4 million spherical journeys yearly from Singapore to Johor Bahru utilizing current transport choices, whereas about 5.9 million journeys had been made in the other way.
The report tasks that the brand new rail service will add one other 11.2 million spherical journeys from Singapore to Johor Bahru every year, alongside a further 3.3 million journeys from Johor Bahru to Singapore. Collectively, this works out to roughly 39,700 additional cross-border journeys day-after-day.
The examine additionally forecasts that journeys by Singapore customers to Johor Bahru will improve by 51 per cent. Grocery purchasing is anticipated to account for the most important portion of spending throughout the border, adopted by purchases at drugstores, eating and sweetness companies.
In keeping with the report, areas past northern Singapore could expertise a better impression from the elevated cross-border exercise, as residents residing outdoors the northern area already account for comparatively larger ranges of spending in Johor Bahru.
Whereas the examine suggests Singapore retailers might face elevated competitors from throughout the Causeway, it additionally factors to alternatives created by a bigger variety of guests from Johor Bahru travelling to Singapore.
The report stated the RTS Hyperlink is anticipated to encourage extra Malaysian guests to cross the border for premium retail experiences, leisure choices and main occasions.
Survey findings included within the examine confirmed that curiosity in travelling to Singapore for occasions is prone to rise after the rail service opens. Round 34 per cent of respondents from Johor Bahru stated they intend to go to Singapore for occasions as soon as the RTS Hyperlink is in operation, in contrast with 24 per cent at current.
The report additionally tasks that annual visits by public transport customers from Johor Bahru might improve by a median of 57 per cent. Recreation spending by these guests is anticipated to double following the launch of the cross-border rail connection.
