Bus Transport in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is the capital city of the Johor state of Malaysia. Located at the southern tip of Peninsula Malaysia, it is frequently visited by tourists from Singapore via the Johor-Singapore Causeway.

Cross-border bus services are available at both border crossings between Singapore and Malaysia. Most bus routes in Johor Bahru serve the city’s Central district, formally referred to as the Daerah Sentral (or JB Sentral or Bandaraya JB). This area is also where the Malaysian customs complex is located; a gateway for all road traffic entering and leaving Malaysia via the Causeway. JB Sentral Bus Terminal is located just next to the Customs building, and served by many bus routes which stretch far into the greater Iskandar Malaysia region.

Further from the Central district, Larkin Bus Terminal is the main (and largest) bus terminal in JB, serving a mix of local bus routes and long-distance coaches to and from other cities in Malaysia. Regular coach services to Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and other major cities are operated by a variety of operators.

This article deals with the basics of bus transport in Johor Bahru and the Iskandar Malaysia region.
Click here to view Johor Bahru Bus Terminals.

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Cross-Border Bus Services

Many cross-border bus services between Singapore and Johor Bahru are available at both Woodlands Crossing (Causeway), which leads straight into Johor Bahru city, or via the Tuas Second Link, which largely serves the western Johor region including the Gelang Patah, Nusajaya and Bukit Indah areas.

For Woodlands Crossing (Causeway), the checkpoints on both sides are referred to as Woodlands Checkpoint (Singapore) and JB CIQ (Malaysia). For Tuas Second Link, the checkpoints on both sides are Tuas Checkpoint (Singapore) and CIQ Second Link (Malaysia).

Usually, the bus journey between checkpoints (i.e. Woodlands Checkpoint – JB CIQ; Tuas Checkpoint – CIQ 2nd Link) can be made on any service operated by the bus operator on which one has a valid ticket on.

See also: Woodlands CIQ Complex, Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex, Tuas CIQ Complex, Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ Complex

Operator Guide:

• Yellow – Causeway Link (Handal Indah)
• Purple – SBS Transit
• Red – SMRT Buses

Fares

All cross-border bus services accept cash, and different bus operators accept different modes of contactless payment.

Singapore bus operators SBS Transit and SMRT charge distance-based fares, which accept contactless bank cards, mobile wallets, CEPAS cards (EZ-Link / NETS), concession cards, and the Singapore Tourist Pass.

For Causeway Link routes, contactless payment modes accepted are Manjalink card or EZ-Link card. Visa is only accepted on Woodlands Causeway routes (CW1/2/5 and CWL).

Transtar routes (TS-prefix) and AC7 accept EZ-Link cards.

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MyBas Bus Services

MyBas Johor Bahru is a network of local bus services funded by the Federal government under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, aiming to improve the quality of bus services in Johor state. The scheme began in March 2022.

Bus information and estimated arrival times are available on the Causeway Link website and LUGO mobile app.

Services are operated by various Johor bus companies under the myBAS identity with accompanying liveries.

Fares

Bus fares can be paid via Cash, or contactless payment modes (Manjalink card, ManjaPay, or Visa contactless-enabled cards and devices). The myBAS50 transit pass is available for Malaysian citizens, priced at RM50 and valid for 30 days of unlimited travel. The myBASKonsesi pass offers free unlimited travel for eligible children, students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

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Other Local Bus Services

Johor Bahru is served by several public bus operators, the major operators being Handal Indah Sdn Bhd (branded as Causeway Link), Maju Bus, and Transit Link JB (City Bus). These bus services within Johor Bahru and connect to outlying towns, such as Pontian, Kulai, Senai, Ulu Tiram, Kota Tinggi, Masai and Pasir Gudang.

This list has been compiled based on available information and may not be exhaustive or entirely accurate. Many of these bus routes are defunct following the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent reorganization of local bus routes under the government-funded MyBas Johor Bahru scheme.

Operator guide:

• Yellow – Handal Indah (Causeway Link)
• Blue – Maju
• Orange – Transit Link (Citybus)

In JB City Centre, local buses performed layovers and passenger boarding/alighting along Jalan Wong Ah Fook. From 18th May 2015, all bus services previously were permanently relocated to JB Sentral Bus Terminal at Jalan Jim Quee as part of works to rejuvenate Sungai Segget and the accompanying permanent reduction of traffic lanes along Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

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Bas Muafakat Johor Services

An initiative by the Johor State Government, these bus routes are for Malaysian citizens only, who can ride these services for free by presenting a Bas Muafakat Johor travel card issued by the Johor Public Transport Corporation (PAJ) upon registration. In the vicinity of Johor Bahru, routes serve Johor Bahru city, Johor Bahru Tengah, Pasir Gudang and Kulai.

Johor authorities are also considering extending the BMJ bus services to foreign visitors by implementing a QR-code-based system for fare collection. Malaysians would continue to benefit from the free service, while foreign tourists would be required to pay a fare. This is slated for implementation in 2023. [News article from The Star]

Fifteen Bas Muafakat Johor bus services were initially rolled out on 1 April 2016, with the aim of improving the quality of public transport in Johor Bahru and reducing the cost of living for its citizens. An initial 30 buses plied 15 routes, stickered with the Bas Muafakat Johor livery of white, red and blue. More routes have since been added.

Operator Guide:

• Causeway Link (Handal Indah): P101, P104, P105, P111, P112, P113, P201, P202, P203, P211, P212, P213, P214, P401, P412
• Maju: P102, P103, P106, P301, P302, P303, P311, P312, P313, P402, P403, P411

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Operating Hours and Frequencies

Most bus routes in Johor Bahru operate from morning to night, from 5-6 am to 10 pm. ‘Leisure’ bus services, such as those serving between JB Sentral / CIQ Second Link and popular tourist haunts (such as Legoland, Puteri Harbour and various shopping destinations) usually start later.

Although exact frequencies are difficult to acquire (unless you ask bus drivers or bus terminal staff), most bus routes operate at frequencies between 15 and 45 minutes, while some routes operate at longer headway of up to 2 hours or more. The prevalence of private transport in Johor Bahru means that buses serving low-density townships are likely to have very low frequencies.

Fare Payment

Most bus routes in Johor Bahru charge fares based on the section fare scheme, and every bus route operates on a separate fare structure. For example, consider a bus route passing through District A to E in alphabetical order. Boarding from District A, passengers would be charged different fares upon boarding, depending on whether they are intending to alight at District B, C, D or E.

All buses in JB accept cash fare payment, and only some buses may offer small change. For starters, tell the bus driver where you intend to alight, and he will advise you on the correct fare, and a printed receipt will be issued upon payment. Keep this receipt with you until you alight, should you need to produce it for fare checks.

Currently, there is no unified contactless payment scheme for Johor Bahru buses, hence the prevalent use of cash collection. Handal Indah (also known as Causeway Link) has its own contactless smart card known as Manjalink, available for purchase at selected locations and usable only on selected bus routes in Johor Bahru, such as all myBAS services and its cross-border buses.

Boarding and alighting

Buses will conduct alighting and boarding activities at bus stops along the route. It is advised to flag the bus when boarding and press the bell before alighting.

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Bus Termini in Johor Bahru

This list is not exhaustive:

A. City Centre

• JB Sentral Bus Terminal
• Larkin Bus Terminal

B. Residential Towns

• Gelang Patah Bus Terminal
• Gelang Patah Sentral Bus Terminal
• Johor Jaya Bus Terminal
• Kota Iskandar Bus Terminal
• Kota Masai Bus Terminal
• Kota Tinggi Bus Terminal
• Kulai Bus Terminal
• Masai Bus Terminal
• Pasir Gudang Bus Terminal
• Permas Jaya Bus Terminal
• Pontian Bus Terminal
• Sutera Mall Bus Terminal
• Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Bus Terminal
• Taman Universiti Bus Terminal
• Ulu Tiram Bus Terminal

C. Places of Interest

• AEON Tebrau City
• Econsave Senai
• Johor Premium Outlets
• Perling Mall
• Puteri Harbour
• Puteri Harbour Ferry Terminal
• Senai Airport
• Tesco Plentong
• Today’s Market (Masai)

D. Roadside

• Bayu Puteri
• Desa Mutiara
• Kampung Felda Sungai Tiram
• Taman Desa Rakyat Perdana
• Taman Pulai Indah
• Taman Putri Kulai
• Taman Selesa Jaya
• Taman Setia Indah
• PPR Melana Indah
• PPR Sri Stulang
• PPR Uda Utama
• Pendas

E. Checkpoints

• Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex (JB CIQ)
• Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ Complex (CIQ 2nd Link)

To view dedicated articles for individual bus termini, click here.

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Withdrawn Bus Routes

This list comprises bus services that have not been seen in a long period of time and may not be exhaustive. Some of these bus services may be reactivated and/or running on an ad-hoc basis. Readers are welcome to us if these services have been sighted:

Operator guide:

• Yellow – Handal Indah (Causeway Link)
• Blue – Maju
• Red – S&S International
• Green – JB Central Line
• Orange – Transit Link (Citybus)
• Dark Blue – Triton
• Brown – Kembara City

Bus Iskandar Malaysia Services

Launched in 2010, the Bus Iskandar Malaysia services are a joint initiative by the State Government of Johor, Iskandar Malaysia governmental bodies and various bus operators. According to the Iskandar Malaysia 10-Year Progress Report released in 2016), a sum of RM11.4 million was n invested in the creation of 26 BIM routes, and the installation or refurbishment of the supporting infrastructure like bus stops and bus poles.

These bus services are operated by Causeway Link, Maju and S&S. They generally operate at low frequencies throughout the day, providing low-density townships with basic bus connections and an alternative to private transport. They all carry the IM prefix for Iskandar Malaysia.

All these routes were gradually withdrawn in the mid-to late 2010s. With the introduction of the Bas Muafakat Johor (BMJ) scheme, some of these routes were reorganised into the BMJ network.

• IM-01 (Larkin Terminal – Kampung Bendahara)
• IM-02 (@Mart Kempas – Perling Mall (Loop))
• IM-03 (Larkin Terminal – Taman Sinaran Kempas)
• IM-04 (Flat Desa Cemerlang – AEON Tebrau City)
• IM-05 (Gelang Patah – Pendas)
• IM-06 (Jusco Bukit Indah – Kota Iskandar)
• IM-07  (Gelang Patah – Kota Iskandar)
• IM-08 (Today’s Market (Masai) – Taman Flora Height)
• IM-09 (Today’s Market (Masai) – Taman Megah Ria (Loop))
• IM-10 (Taman Sri Skudai – Taman Sri Orkid)
• IM-11 (Medan Selera Senai – Ulu Tiram)
• IM-12 (Terminal Masai – Taman Desa Rakyat)
• IM-13 (Terminal Masai – Kampung Pasir Putih)
• IM-14 (Terminal Masai – Taman Nusa Damai)
• IM-15 (Terminal Pasir Gudang – Kota Masai)
• IM-16 (Taman Impiah Skudai – Taman Impian Jaya)
• IM-17 (JB Sentral – Holiday Plaza (Loop))
• IM-18 (Taman Universiti – Taman Pulai Indah)
• IM-19 (Terminal Pasir Gudang – Tanjung Langsat)
• IM-20 (Terminal Pasir Gudang – Kong Kong)
• IM-21 (Terminal Pontian – Pekan Nanas)
• IM-22 (Desa Mutiara – Jusco Tebrau City)
• IM-23 (Taman Universiti – AEON Bukit Indah)
• IM-24 (Terminal Kulaijaya – Johor Premium Outlets)
• IM-25 (Terminal Masai – UiTM Seri Alam)
• IM-26 (Taman Desa Idaman – Medan Selera Senai)
• IM-27 (Terminal Kulaijaya – Senai Airport)

Bas Ekspress Transit (BeXTRA)

Six BeXTRA services were introduced in the early 2010s to provide faster express services between JB Sentral and surrounding towns. Conceived as a basic Bus Rapid Transit system, buses only stop at selected stops during peak hours; for example, a trip from Kulai to Johor will usually have about 30 stops but reduced to eight stops on BeXTRA services.

BET1, BET2 and BET3 were launched in 2011, followed by BET4 and BET5 in 2013, and BET6 in 2014.

According to the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) in 2013, the five operational BeXTRA routes recorded an average of 219,446 passengers per month. The five routes were served by around 40 buses.

All of these routes have since been withdrawn.

• BET1 (JB Sentral – Kulai)
• BET2 (JB Sentral – Ulu Tiram)
• BET3 (JB Sentral – Taman Universiti)
• BET4 (JB Sentral – Masai)
• BET5 (JB Sentral – Kota Masai)
• BET6 (JB Sentral – Taman Setia Indah)

All BET routes have since been withdrawn. As of 2022, some Maju buses plying Route 227 still use BET2 signages.

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External Links:

• Iskandar Malaysia Public Transport Corporation
• Causeway Link (Handal Indah Sdn Bhd)
• Overwhelming response to bus services in Iskandar | The Star (BeXTRA routes)

Also Check Out:

• Johor Bahru Bus Terminals
• Johor Bahru Bus Directory (U/C)

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