Singaporeans satisfied with Singapore-Johor Bahru shuttle train

The Straits Times reported that Singaporeans have given the new shuttle train between Woodlands and Johor Baru Sentral the thumbs up - with many using it to go shopping, eating or for a relaxing day off. The Shuttle Tebrau, run by Malaysian rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu, was launched last Wednesday, offering seven trips a day in each direction.

Some passengers said they would previously have taken a bus or driven across the Causeway, but find the train more comfortable and less of a hassle. The journey lasts five minutes, the immigration queues are shorter and there are no traffic jams, cutting journey times by at least half an hour.

Polytechnic student Muhd Haikal, 23, who heads to Johor Baru to shop at least once a month with his father, said, "Previously, you felt you had to rush and compete with other people to get on the buses and that could be quite frustrating."

Now, trains depart from Singapore at 6:30am, 8:00am, 9:30am, 5:00pm, 6:30pm, 8:00pm and 11:00pm. Last Friday's 6:30pm service sold out hours before its departure, with many passengers booking online and queues forming 30 minutes before it set off.

A one-way trip from Woodlands costs $5, while one from Johor Baru costs RM5 (S$1.80). One train can hold around 320 passengers.

Previous services to and from Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and Gemas stations ended at Woodlands station. With the new shuttle, these services now begin and end at JB.