The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has appointed a joint venture between SBS Transit Rail and French firm RATP Dev Asia Pacific as the operator of the upcoming Jurong Region MRT Line (JRL). This marks a historic first for Singapore, introducing foreign expertise into the local rail industry.
Details of the Appointment
The contract spans nine years with an option for LTA to extend for an additional two years. The total service fee for the 11-year period is approximately S$750 million (US$558 million), reflecting a bid that is about 8% lower than that from local operator SMRT Trains.
Expanding Connectivity in the West
As Singapore’s seventh MRT line, the JRL will feature 24 stations and run a total of 24km, connecting key hubs in the western region such as the Jurong Innovation District, Jurong Industrial Estate, and Nanyang Technological University. Expect initial ridership figures to start at around 200,000, eventually increasing to over 500,000 as the areas develop further.
- 24 stations planned
- Initial opening phases from 2027 to 2029
- Subsidised fare revenue risk for the first licensing period
Evaluation Process
The tender process for the JRL was initiated in May 2023, alongside another for the Cross Island Line (CRL). However, LTA has decided not to award the CRL contract citing concerns over the uncertainty in operating conditions. The evaluation of bids was designed to prioritise quality alongside pricing to ensure value for taxpayers.
Performance Incentives
The operational framework will support strong performance metrics in areas such as service reliability and customer satisfaction. The awarded operator can earn incentives for exceptional service and may incur penalties for underperformance.
Looking Ahead
With the JRL completing a significant phase in Singapore’s transport evolution, the community can look forward to improved mobility and accessibility in the western region, supported by global expertise.