TRANSIT also noticed this article today while reading the news. Having experienced the public transport links between JB and Singapore on occasion, we definitely can say that ANY improvements that can be made would be very, very helpful.
S’pore, Johor to improve network of buses
2009/04/07
JOHOR BARU:Plans are afoot to put more buses on the road between Johor and Singapore to meet the demand of commuters.The Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) for Iskandar Malaysia said the move would enhance transport links between the two countries.
Although no specific numbers were provided, the JMC said it was crucial for the bus services to be improved.
This was among the issues discussed at the fourth JMC meeting in Putrajaya on Sunday.
The meeting was co-chaired by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Tan Sri Amirsham A. Aziz and Singapore’s Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan.
Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Singapore Transport Minister Raymond Lim.
The meeting was held to review the progress made by the four working groups on immigration, transportation, tourism and environment.
In a joint statement issued by both Amirsham and Mah, the JMC decided that a Malaysian automated clearance system would be implemented for frequent travellers.
The system, which would be implemented in phases, would include a biometric verifying system, autogates for non-motorists as well as “fast-track” lanes.
“This will greatly facilitate access for visitors from Singapore going to Iskandar Malaysia,” the statement said.
TRANSIT says:
There are already problems for public transport users at the new CIQ complex – the distance away from the city centre requires a long and inconvenient walk – and it is also affecting traders in the city centre.
Any positive improvements to bus services will help to make a difference but it would be a lot easier if the older CIQ could be opened for urban bus users.
In future, there may be a short extension of the Singapore MRT to reach Johor Baru and the KTM station in Johor Baru – possibly supported by the proposed “JB Monorail” or better yet, a “Komuter Selatan” network.
Perhaps Datuk Shahrir, MP Johor Baru and former Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, would take a greater role in public transportation in Malaysia and look into improving things in JB and nationwide.
Transit Malaysia 