Everything You Need to Know About the Resumption of Public Buses to JB & Free Shuttle Buses in JB Customs

By now, you probably know someone who has been to Johor Bahru ever since the border re-opened on 1 Apr 2022.

For those with vehicles, crossing the borders might’ve been easy since they can simply drive through the customs.

For those who depended on public transport, however, there’s a piece of good news for you.

Everything You Need to Know About the Resumption of Public Buses to JB & Free Shuttle Buses in JB Customs

From 1 May 2022, the public bus services from Singapore to Johor Bahru will be resumed.

Currently, the bus operators are in the midst of hiring and training drivers to ply the cross-border route.

Cross-border bus services has stopped for two years since March 2020 and drivers have to be familiarised with the routes once more.

Will Operate Similar to Pre-COVID-19 Times

These bus services include:

• SBS Transit (160, 170, 170x)
• SMRT Buses (950)
• Transtar Travel Pte Ltd (TS1, TS3, TS6, TS8)

The frequency of buses for SMRT and SBS Transit will operate similarly to pre-COVID-19 times.

They will operate between 5:20 AM and 12:30 AM daily with similar frequencies.

Buses 160, 170 and 950 will operate at a frequency of 20 minutes during peak hours and 25 minutes during off-peak hours.

Meanwhile, 170X will operate at a frequency of 9 minutes during peak hours and 17 minutes during off-peak hours.

Vaccinated Travel Bus Services To Be Withdrawn

With the resumption of cross-border public bus services, the existing Vaccinated Travel Bus Services will also be withdrawn.

Operated by Transtar Travel and Handal Indah Sdn Bhd (Causeway Link), the Vaccinated Travel Bus Services will be withdrawn on 1 May 2022.

Their last day of service will be 30 April 2022.

Free Shuttle Buses By Johor Bahru Government

Now, you ask, what if I want to travel there this weekend?

Well, while the cross-border public bus services has yet to start, there’s another bus service available for you to take advantage of.

On 22 Apr 2022, the JB government announced free shuttle bus services between City Square and the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) customs, immigration and quarantine complex.

The free shuttle bus service will pick up passengers from Jalan Tun Razak (City Square) and Jalan Jim Quee.

The frequency of buses will be 10 minutes but it’ll be adjusted during peak hours and on public holidays.

To Solve Congestion Problems

The JB government didn’t decide to provide free shuttle buses because they’re happy JB’s long-lost cousins are coming home to visit once again.

Turns out, JB experienced a serious case of congestion at the pedestrian bridge heading from JB Sentral to the BSI building.

Hopefully, with the free shuttle bus service, it’ll help ease the foot traffic at the bridge significantly.

A task force was put together to analyse the congestion and escalators were also identified as one of the causes.

Improvement works are being done to the escalators at the pedestrian bridge and is expected to complete in June 2022.

On a separate note, for drivers who are hoping to get cheap petrol in JB, take note that you have a high chance of being turned away.

Read Also:

• 55 Vehicles Have to Turn Back for Not Having 3/4 Fuel at SG-JB Checkpoints
• 15 Must-Know Things About the Major Easing of COVID-19 Measures
• Bus Captain Shows How Creepy it is to Drive Through Lim Chu Kang at Night

Feature Image: Amnat Phuthamrong / Shutterstock.com (Image for illustration purpose only)