If you’re someone who loves weekend getaways to Johor Bahru, you’ve probably experienced the typical traffic jams and crowds at the immigration checkpoint when taking the bus.
Sure, there are various ways to reach JB – you can opt for the bus or drive your car, but if speed is what you’re after, nothing beats the KTMB train service between JB and Singapore.
And here’s the good news for all you Malaysian citizens out there.
Malaysia Looking at a Flat RM5 Flat for a 1-Way Trip Train Between JB & S’pore for Their Citizens
According to The Straits Times, Malaysia is considering the possibility of offering its citizens a flat rate of RM5 (S$1.45) for one-way journeys on the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad’s (KTMB) Shuttle Tebrau service between Johor Bahru and Woodlands in Singapore.
Currently, the price for a one-way ticket from Johor Bahru to Woodlands is RM5, while the return trip ticket costs $5.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke mentioned that the railway company had proposed this change to eliminate the disparity in fares.
Mr Loke stated during a briefing with Malaysian reporters on 10 December 2023 that he hopes the pricing will be implemented by early next year.
He also noted that approximately 10,000 passengers commute using the Shuttle Tebrau service daily.
Mr Loke pointed out that Malaysia doesn’t need to engage in discussions with Singapore regarding this matter since KTMB is a Malaysian entity.
Regarding discussions with Singapore about the future of the Shuttle Tebrau service once the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project is finished, Mr Loke mentioned that there’s still ample time for that.
He mentioned that they have three years until the RTS Link is completed and their primary focus is on enhancing the service.
On 26 October 2023, Mr Loke informed the Malaysian Parliament that the country intended to discuss with Singapore to continue the Shuttle Tebrau train service once the RTS Link becomes operational.
He noted that according to a prior bilateral agreement, one of the conditions stipulates the cessation of Shuttle Tebrau operations six months after the completion of the RTS Link.
Recent Long Queue at JB Checkpoint
If you’re looking to avoid the crowd, purchasing train tickets well in advance is a wise move.
However, even if you haven’t done so, there are alternative transportation options available to reach JB, including buses that stop at JB Checkpoint.
Recently, there was a situation where hundreds of commuters found themselves stranded at the Johor Bahru checkpoint due to a power outage on the evening of 4 December 2023.
According to Oriental Daily, the power disruption commenced at 8pm, rendering all e-gates inoperative.
In response to inquiries from Lianhe Zaobao, a spokesperson from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) clarified that the power outage had no impact on Woodlands Checkpoint, where traffic conditions remained normal.
However, travellers to and from Johor Bahru were advised to anticipate delays and check traffic conditions before starting their journeys, as recommended by the authority.
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