Services returning after two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic
SINGAPORE: Cross-border bus and taxi services between Singapore and Malaysia are set to resume on May 1, marking the end of a two-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision follows the recent reopening of the land borders between Singapore and Malaysia for fully vaccinated travelers.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Friday (April 22) that the Land Transport Authority (LTA), in collaboration with public transport operators, will reinstate bus services. The cross-border bus routes returning to service include Services 160, 170, and 170X operated by SBS Transit, Service 950 run by SMRT Buses, and Services TS1, TS3, TS6, and TS8 operated by Transtar Travel.
“Since early April 2022, bus operators have been actively recruiting, redeploying, and training their drivers, along with conducting route familiarization after a two-year hiatus,” stated the LTA in a separate press release. These bus services have been inactive since March 2020.
The operational hours for Services 160, 170, 170X, and 950 will revert to pre-COVID timings, running from 5:20 am to 12:30 am. The frequency of these services will also mirror previous schedules. Services 160, 170, and 950 will operate every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 25 minutes during off-peak hours. Meanwhile, Service 170X will run every nine minutes during peak times and every 17 minutes off-peak.
Commuters are encouraged to check the LTA’s MyTransport.SG app or the operators’ websites for the latest bus operating hours and arrival timings. With the resumption of these services, the existing Vaccinated Travel Bus Services operated by Transtar Travel and Handal Indah will conclude on the same day.
Taxi operations will also restart on May 1. Travelers heading to Johor can either catch a taxi at the Queen Street taxi terminal or book one through taxi companies that employ licensed cross-border drivers. The LTA is working closely with its Malaysian counterpart, Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat (APAD), to resume cross-border taxi services.
“All travelers are reminded to comply with the travel requirements set by both Singapore and Malaysia to ensure smooth immigration clearance,” added the LTA.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Minister for Transport S Iswaran urged patience and understanding from Singaporeans and travelers. “Our partners in air, land, and sea transport are working diligently to scale up their manpower and operations to accommodate increased traveler volumes, particularly during the upcoming May Day-Hari Raya Puasa long weekend and the June school holidays,” he said.
“As we continue to reopen our borders to strengthen our position as a global aviation hub, we will monitor the local and global public health situation closely and be prepared to reinstate tighter public health measures if necessary, in consultation with the Ministry of Health.”
Mr. Iswaran also encouraged all Singaporeans and residents to stay informed about the COVID-19 situation in the countries and regions they plan to visit, ensuring they are updated on the latest public health and border measures while making contingency plans.
