Commuters regularly traversing the Causeway for work or leisure may soon experience smoother morning commutes, as the Johor government has put forth a proposal for Singaporean bus operators to commence services at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) as early as 4:30 AM. This is a half-hour to one-hour earlier than the current 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM start times.
The initiative aims to alleviate the persistent morning congestion at BSI, a bottleneck that has seen passenger numbers swell by an average of 1,000 to 3,000 monthly. For commuuters relying on these bus services, an earlier start could significantly cut down on queuing times and improve overall efficiency during peak hours.
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently reviewing Johor’s suggestion, taking into account several operational factors, including the fact that Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system typically begins operations at 5:35 AM. Furthermore, the Johor government has also proposed increasing bus frequencies or adding more trips to meet the growing demand. LTA will be engaging with the involved Singaporean bus operators – SBS Transit Ltd, SMRT Buses Ltd, Ridewell Travel Pte Ltd, The Singapore-Johore Expressway (Private) Ltd, and Transtar Travel & Tours Pte Ltd – to discuss the operational and cost implications of these adjustments.
Handal Indah Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian operator, already provides 24-hour service on Causeway Link CW2, operating at 30 minute frequencies in the late night and early morning hours.
This development follows a recent joint visit to BSI by Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, Johor’s State Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman, alongside LTA representatives and bus operators, where they observed the considerable queues faced by commuters. A decision from the LTA on these proposals is anticipated soon, which could bring welcome relief to thousands of daily cross-border commuters.
Looking further ahead, the Singapore–Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) is set to offer a more permanent solution to the Causeway congestion. This dedicated light rail system, currently under construction and set to open in end-2026, will directly connect Woodlands North station in Singapore with Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru. A significant feature for commuters will be the co-located immigration facilities at both stations, allowing passengers to clear customs for both countries conveniently at their departure point. The RTS Link, which will be operated by RTS Operations Pte Ltd (a joint venture between SMRT and Prasarana), is approximately 4 km long and is expected to open by the end of 2026. This future infrastructure project is poised to drastically improve cross-border connectivity and reduce the reliance on road transport, complementing immediate measures like earlier bus operations.
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Logistically speaking, it would be very hard for Singapore to send buses in to start service at Johor Bahru at 4am.
So why not just get their Malaysia operators to do it instead?
If need be, just grant more cross border bus routes only.
CW6 at Boon Lay, CWL at Kranji, just ask them start at 4am at Johor Bahru ah.
Logistically fairer if it is the Malaysia operators start service at Johor Bahru at 4am.
Cuz honestly, if want Singapore operators to start service at Johor Bahru at 4am, this means have to send them in from Singapore at 3am at the latest.
Malaysia operators, if want to start at 4am, maybe as late as 3:50am then drive out of depot also can, cuz nearby. Just saying.