Johor wants more train services to beat toll hikes, says paper

Johor has asked KTMB to increase its services across the Causeway after Singapore raised the toll rates to match Malaysia’s new rates set in August. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, September 14, 2014. 

Singapore’s move to raise the toll rates at the Causeway after Putrajaya’s increase in August has prompted Johor to request KTMB to increase its services across the Causeway, Singapore’s The Sunday Times reported today.

The train service would be an alternative for commuters hit by the increase in toll charges from October 1 for all vehicles (except motorcycles) leaving the republic through the Johor Baru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex.

State Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Tee Siew Kiong was quoted as saying that increasing the train services hourly would allow those who drove to work to switch to public transport.

"This could also have a positive impact on traffic congestion at the Causeway as there will be fewer cars," he said at a press conference.

The current toll for cars leaving Singapore will rise to S$3.80 (RM9.70) from S$1.20 while vans and light goods vehicles will see an increase to S$5.80 from S$1.90.

Taxis and buses will increase to S$1.90 and S$3.10 from S$0.60 and S$1, respectively.

For vehicles entering Singapore, the charges are S$2.70 for cars, S$4 (vans/light goods vehicles), S$5.30 (heavy vehicles), S$1.40 (taxis) and S$2.20 (buses).

The train fare from transport hub Johor Baru Sentral to Woodlands in Singapore costs RM5 each way.

Yesterday, Singapore’s Todayonline reported that the decision to match Malaysia’s move to revise the toll charges at the Causeway was met with resignation and despair by Johor folk who commute to the island republic daily for work.

DAP said yesterday business in Johor Baru has dropped by 30% over the past six weeks following the hefty toll increases at the Causeway.

Singapore had also raises the Vehicle Entry Permit fee from S$20 to S$35 per day from August 1. The Goods Vehicle Permit fee for foreign-registered vehicles also increased from S$10 to S$40 per month.

MPs in Johor said the toll hikes of up to 470% would have an adverse impact on the Iskandar development zone.

Kluang MP and Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong said in a statement "with this tit-for-tat move, it is as though a wall has been erected on the Causeway to separate the two neighbours.

"Iskandar, which is heavily relying on its proximity to Singapore investments, is as good as gone."

Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed told The Sunday Times: "Both governments have to decide if they want Iskandar or not because instead of promoting it, they are imposing a de facto tax."

- TMI