Singaporean Consumer Spending In JB To Rise By S$1.05 Bln A Year After RTS Link Opening -- Study

SINGAPORE, July 16 (Bernama) -- Singaporeans’ consumer spending in Johor Bahru is projected to increase by S$1.05 billion (S$1=RM3.15) a year following the opening of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, a study revealed.

This is one of findings of a joint study by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) and Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) -- “Impact of RTS on Singapore Retail and F&B Sector” -- released today.

The study anticipated that Singapore’s retail and food and beverage (F&B) businesses could gain S$756 million in incremental annual spending from JB visitors following the improved connectivity.

Overall, the RTS Link could result in a net incremental outbound spending of S$290 million annually, which equates to 0.4 per cent of Singapore’s total retail and F&B sales in 2025, it said.

“Pre-RTS, there were about 19.4 million annual round trips from Singapore to JB, and 5.9 million from JB to Singapore, using current transport modes.

“The study projects that the RTS Link will add 11.2 million Singapore-JB round trips and 3.3 million JB-Singapore round trips annually, equivalent to an estimated daily ridership of 39,700 trips,” the trade groups said in a joint statement.

According to the report, the RTS Link will heighten competition for Singapore’s retail and F&B businesses, while helping to bring more JB visitors to Singapore, especially for premium retail, entertainment, and major lifestyle events.

It estimated a 51 per cent increase in outbound trips by Singapore consumers and revealed that 34 per cent of JB respondents intend to visit Singapore for events post-RTS launch, up from 24 per cent today.

SBF chief executive officer Kok Ping Soon said the RTS Link will reshape how consumers travel, shop, and dine across Singapore and Johor Bahru.

“This creates opportunities for Singapore businesses to attract more visitors, but it also raises competitive pressure, especially for our retail and F&B sectors.

“Businesses must adapt beyond price competition by strengthening their offerings, experiences and productivity, while industry and government must work together to help them compete in a more connected cross-border market,” he said.

The 4-kilometre stretch of the RTS Link, connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, is expected to be completed and open to the public in January 2027.

-- BERNAMA