Image Source: NSTP and Nur Aisyah Mazalan
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Forest City is accelerating its transformation into a major transportation hub in southern Johor, with enhanced connectivity through an expanded Causeway Link bus network and plans for future rail integration.
HI Mobility Bhd chief marketing officer Lim Chern Fang, said that Causeway Link has partnered with Forest City to operate the FC1 bus service, which provides a direct link to the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (KSAB CIQ) at the Second Link.
“Since the launch of the FC1 service in December 2023, Causeway Link buses have been ferrying passengers directly between Forest City and the KSAB CIQ at the Second Link to Singapore,” she told the ‘New Straits Times’.
HI Mobility Bhd is the parent company of Handal Indah Sdn Bhd, which operates the Causeway Link and other bus services.
The service supports Johor’s Park and Ride initiative, allowing commuters from Gelang Patah to park at Forest City and travel conveniently to Singapore.
This year, Causeway Link extended FC1’s operating hours to 10pm to cater to Singapore-based workers.
The company also introduced the FC2 service, linking Eco Botanic, NSK Nusajaya and AEON Bukit Indah, enhancing connectivity in the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor.
To meet growing demand, Causeway Link also became the first express bus operator to offer a weekend route between Forest City and Kuala Lumpur, catering to business and leisure travellers.
The bus service company has also digitalised payments via ManjaLink, Visa and LUGO for greater commuter convenience.
Lim said Causeway Link remains committed to boosting connectivity to support the Johor- Singapore Special Financial Zone (JS-SFZ) and Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd deputy president Syarul Izam Sarifudin said Forest City’s long-term plan includes integrating rail infrastructure, positioning it as a key transit hub for the JS-SFZ and JS-SEZ.
The initiative aligns with state and federal infrastructure strategies, with funding and regulatory approvals being fast-tracked.
He said Forest City is working with Causeway Link to upgrade bus routes, boost frequency and expand services to key destinations.
“We are enhancing bus connectivity to seamlessly integrate with Johor Baru’s public transport system.
“Feasibility studies are underway to assess demand for additional routes,” he said.
LINK:
The Causeway Link service expansions include new routes to shopping malls in Iskandar Puteri and a weekend express service to Kuala Lumpur, launched in February and now fully operational.
Further route expansions are expected, based on passenger demand.
Forest City is also positioning itself for future rail projects, including the revival of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) and Johor Baru’s planned Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
“With ongoing discussions on the HSR and ART, Forest City aims to be a major player in the region’s evolving transport landscape,” said Syarul Izam.
Transport analysts believe integrating Forest City into these rail networks could significantly boost property values and business investments.
Johor Works, Transportation, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said improving connectivity between Forest City, the JS-SFZ and JS-SEZ is a top priority.
“Currently, 300,000 to 400,000 people cross the Causeway and Second Link daily. With new transport initiatives, this figure is expected to rise by 15 per cent over the next five years,” he said.
He added that Malaysia’s single immigration clearance system at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and KSAB CIQ, using facial recognition and QR code verification, is expediting cross-border travel.
Published by New Straits Times (20 March 2025). For more details, read the full news coverage here: Forest City set for transport overhaul to supercharge Johor’s connectivity (nst.com.my)