For Singaporeans frequently popping over to Malaysia, a major shift to cross-border travel is here. Starting today (August 20), commuters taking the popular Causeway Link buses from the Newton and Queen Street terminals will no longer be permitted to pay their fares with physical cash on board. This update marks a significant push toward a fully digitized and seamless travel experience for the thousands who cross the causeway to JB—a move that is expected to speed up boarding times and streamline journeys. Here’s what we know about the Causeway Link cashless rules.
What are the new payment rules for cross-border travel?
To ensure a smooth transition, Causeway Link has rolled out a comprehensive suite of digital payment options that are cashless for its riders. Passengers can now conveniently tap their Visa, Mastercard, or local EZ-Link cards to pay their fares directly upon boarding.
For regular cross-border commuters, the ManjaLink contactless smart card—a staple for navigating both the border buses and local Johor routes—remains a highly popular choice. Otherwise, tech-savvy travellers can handle their payments through the LUGO app or by using single-journey e-tickets straight from their phones.
If you are still firmly attached to using physical cash, you won’t be completely out of luck, but you will need to plan ahead. Cash-paying passengers are now required to secure their tickets before stepping onto the bus. At the Queen Street terminal, commuters can easily purchase their tickets using cash at designated ManjaLink kiosks.
Meanwhile, travellers departing from the Newton boarding point can buy a ManjaLink card directly from Causeway Link’s ground staff prior to boarding.
For those who prefer different travel arrangements, the broader cross-border transport network still provides plenty of flexibility. Commuters starting their journey at Queen Street can always opt for SBS Transit’s bus service 170 as a reliable alternate route into Malaysia.
Additionally, traditional long-distance coaches continue to operate from both the Newton and Queen Street terminals, offering a comfortable alternative for travellers heading beyond the immediate border checkpoints.
