Heading to JB from Newton or Queen Street today? Make sure you have something other than cash ready before getting on a Causeway Link bus.
From 20 August 2026, commuters boarding Causeway Link buses to Malaysia at the two Singapore locations can no longer pay cash directly to the driver. Causeway Link announced the change in a Facebook post on 17 August.
The good news for people who still prefer cash is that cash has not completely disappeared. You just need to sort out your payment before boarding.
You Can Use Visa, Mastercard, EZ-Link or ManjaLink
For onboard payments, Causeway Link accepts Visa, Mastercard, ManjaLink and EZ-Link cards.
Passengers can also pay through the LUGO app or use a single-journey e-ticket.
ManjaLink is Causeway Link’s contactless stored-value card. It can be used to pay for its cross-border buses as well as selected bus services in Johor.
So if your usual JB routine involves finding some Singapore dollars in your wallet only after you reach the front of the queue, that part of the routine needs an update.
What If You Only Have Cash?
At Queen Street, passengers who want to pay with cash can purchase their ticket from a ManjaLink kiosk before getting on the bus.
At Newton, passengers can approach Causeway Link’s ground staff to purchase a ManjaLink card before boarding.
The important distinction is that the new rule concerns cash payments onboard the bus. Do not wait until you are standing in front of the driver to take out your notes and coins.
Causeway Link’s broader cashless travel guidance also advises passengers to prepare their payment method before boarding.
There Are Other Ways to Get to JB
Causeway Link is not the only option for passengers travelling from Queen Street.
SBS Transit service 170 operates from Queen Street Terminal to Larkin Terminal in Johor Bahru.
The Straits Times also reported that long-distance coaches are available from both Newton and Queen Street for travellers heading into Malaysia.
So you can still bring cash for your JB trip. Just do not expect to hand it to the Causeway Link driver when boarding at Newton or Queen Street from today.
