First buses from Johor Bahru arrive with just four passengers despite high demand for tickets
SINGAPORE: The inaugural buses under the land Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Singapore and Malaysia, which began operating on Monday, Nov. 29, saw significantly fewer passengers than expected. Only four individuals arrived in Singapore on the first two buses from Johor Bahru (JB), according to reports by The Straits Times.
The first bus, which reached the Queen Street Bus Terminal at 9:48 am, carried three passengers. It was delayed, and although four passengers had boarded, one was denied access due to discrepancies with his registration at Johor Bahru customs. The second bus arrived at 9:51 am with just one passenger onboard. This passenger had departed from Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal at 7:30 am after a 45-minute wait.
Despite reports of tickets for the VTL being sold out shortly after going on sale on Nov. 25, the low turnout on the first day has raised questions. Over 12,000 people were reportedly in a virtual waiting room to purchase tickets, yet only a handful made the journey.
The VTL currently prioritises Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders, with a daily capacity of 1,440 people crossing into Singapore. It is specifically designed for workers who have not returned to their home countries since the border closure in March 2020. VTL travellers are exempt from quarantine upon arrival and only need to take two COVID-19 tests.
Upon arrival, passengers are required to take an antigen rapid test at a temporary swabbing centre. Those who test positive must undergo a confirmatory PCR test.
Despite the low turnout, the VTL remains an essential step in re-establishing cross-border travel and ensuring safer journeys for those who need to travel between Singapore and Malaysia.
