Towards a smoother flow

Less congestion at Causeway with lower toll rates at Second Link

Lower toll rates at the Second Link are likely to ease the congestion at the Johor Causeway.

PUTRAJAYA: The age-old congestion at the Johor Causeway is likely to ease with stiff toll rates at the Second Link to be cut by up to 75%, drawing a huge chunk of commercial traffic away.

The levy for commercial vehicles using the Second Link has been cut to RM50 (both ways) from Tuesday.

Toll rate for all vehicles (except motorcycles) using the Second Link during off peak hours ( 10am to 3pm and 11pm to 5am) has been reduced between 47% and 82%.

The rate for commercial vehicles categorised under Class 2 and 3 will also be lowered to match the rates at the Causeway (see table).

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, the move followed talks between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong at the Leaders Retreat in the republic recently.

It said an estimated 40% of traffic volume from the Causeway is expected to be drawn to the Second Link with the across-the-board toll reductions.

Presently, the levy for outbound commercial vehicles at the Causeway and Second Link is RM200 while such vehicles entering Johor from Singapore are charged RM100.

While charges at the Second Link will be brought down to RM50 both ways, the commercial vehicle levy at the Causeway has been maintained.

Heavy vehicles are also expected to head to the Second Link which connects Tanjung Kupang to Tuas in Singapore.

Johor Baru and Woodlands in Singapore are linked by the 1.056km Causeway with about 154,000 vehicles plying it daily.

Pedestrian flow is estimated at about 300,000 daily with this going up to 500,000 on weekends and public holidays.

The PMO also said other initiatives would include the Johor BaruSingapore Rapid Transit System to connect Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North in Singapore.

This service is expected to be operational in 2024 to serve 10,000 commuters one way, halving travel time between both countries to 30 minutes.

KTMB will also increase frequency for the Tebrau Shuttle to 31 trips daily from 26 now.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is heading a special task force to improve traffic management at the Causeway.

In Johor Baru, Johor Sand and Granite Operators Association president Frankie Cheah said more lorry operators would head to the Second Link thanks to the new rates.

Johor Lorry Operators Association president Anthony Tan said the reduction in the toll and levy for lorries was “absolutely right”.

“Lorry operators are now being charged a RM200 levy with or without goods,’’ he added.