Welcome aboard Jom Naik Bas! or Let’s Take The Bus!. A blog for all the reviews, the news and information on interstate express buses.

There are several reviews that will be featured on Jom Naik Bas!. These includes “Jom Naik!”, “BusBlogFeature”, “Jom Naik Bas To Malaysia!”, “Jom Makan Angin!” and “Kembara Jom Naik Bas!”. Two other newly introduced sections, “New Express Bus Services” and “In Pictures” will cover on the development of new express buses and services in Singapore and Malaysia. They can be found on permanent pages with links on top of this page. Another new series called “Jom Naik Bas! Special” will focus on the various express bus operators in Singapore and Malaysia.

The “Jom Naik!” series covers comprehensive reviews on express bus services, both in Malaysia and between Singapore and Malaysia.

• Mara Liner Express Super VIP – Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur
• Transtar Express First Class – Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
• Suasana Edaran Express TopClass – Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
• Transtar Express First Class Solitaire – Genting Highlands to Singapore
• Transtar Express Premium – Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
• Transnasional Skyview – Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur
• Aeroline First Class Shuttle – Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
• Alisan Express – Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
• WTS Travel CEO Platinum Deluxe Cruiser – Genting Highlands to Singapore
• Grassland Express Royal VIP – Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
• Orange Coach – Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
• Platinum Star Coach – Kuala Lumpur to Penang
• Transtar Express Classic – Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
• Odyssey Prestige Coaches – Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
• Starmart Express AirAsia Liner – Singapore to Melaka
• Meridian Holidays – Melaka to Johor Bahru
• First Coach – Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (Bangsar)
• Causeway Link Express – Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru **NEW**

Occasionally, some entries will focus on citybuses operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses in Singapore. These entries are grouped under the “Citybus Special” series.

• Volvo B9TL
• Volvo Olympian
• Volvo B10M MkII
• Scania K230UB
• Volvo B10TL Super Olympian
• Scania N113CRB
• Hino HS3KRKA **NEW**

“Jom Makan Angin!” is a new travel series in collaboration with my Malaysian enthusiast friend Nazmie Dalhar. His informative posts on his trips across the Peninsular Malaysia will be translated to English and reposted on “Jom Naik Bas!”.

• Jom Makan Angin to the East Coast (Part 1)

The “Kembara Jom Naik Bas!” or “Jom Naik Bas Journeys!” series will not just be a review per se, but will also highlight some of the services that a bus company operates and some details on the operations. Bus hunting trips that I’ve done will also be a part of this series.

• Impromptu Bus Hunting in Kuala Lumpur 2008 – Part 1
• Impromptu Bus Hunting in Kuala Lumpur 2008 – Part 2
• Suasana Edaran Express TopClass – Kuala Lumpur to Seremban Shuttle
• Transnasional Express – Seremban to Melaka Shuttle
• RapidKL Iveco Turbo City 480 – Service T226 Taman Melewar to Taman Melati LRT Station
• KLIA Transit to LCCT Shuttle
• RapidPenang Higer XLQ6118 (Service 401E) and Scania K270UB (Service 502)
• Resorts World Sentosa Changi Airport Shuttle
• Compass Coaches – Tune Hotel Danga Bay to Marina Bay Sands Shuttle **NEW**

The “Jom Naik Bas! Special” is a new series that focuses on the various express bus operators in Singapore and Malaysia. These articles will highlight some details into the operations such as the buses they operate, areas of operation and contact details.

• Malaysian Double-Deckers Special
• Shamisha Express & Holiday
• All-New Mahligai Prestige Double-Deckers
• Meridian Holidays’ New High-Decker
• Eramesra Ekspres **NEW**
• Terminal Bersepadu Selatan-Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS-BTS) **NEW**

I will also provide some tips and guidance on choosing the preferred express bus service based on my personal experiences. The “Jom Naik Bas To Malaysia!” will be expanded with more tips in the future.

• Jom Naik Bas To Malaysia / Part 1 –  How to choose your ideal bus to your holiday destination?
• Jom Naik Bas To Malaysia / Part 2 – Where to board the buses in Singapore?

All photographs in this blog are copyrights of Jom Naik Bas! and the rightful owners. Prior permission must be sought before any photographs are used.

I hope you enjoy reading my reviews on what I love most. And please do leave your comments as well.

Thank you for reading!

Ishak

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Even with the authorities launching studies on the safety of double-decker buses for use on long-haul express sectors, some operators are not deterred to acquire such buses. One such operator that have joined the growing number of double-decker coach operators is Causeway Link Express.

Causeway Link Express is a major operator in the southern Malaysian state of Johor. Apart from the interstate express services, it also operates local stage bus services and cross-border bus services into neighbouring Singapore. Until recently, their express buses mainly plies the crowded Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur sector. After a takeover of Triton’s assets earlier last year, it ventured into the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh route, effectively competing with other big names on the crowded sector. Just before the closing of 2011, it launched two new routes from Melaka to Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.

Causeway Link Express’ fleet of express buses are mostly made up of Mercedes-Benz IBC1632 and IBC1636 with Liannex bodywork, an affiliated coachbuilding company of parent Handal Indah Sdn Bhd. In 2011, it launched 3 new types of coaches – two high-decker models and a double-decker. Staying true to its tradition of operating Mercedes-Benz buses, it opted for the IBC2036 chassis for their pioneer double-decker fleet. A total of 5 units will be operated eventually, with bodywork by Quality Bus & Coach (QBC). The Super VIP class coach will seat 39 passengers in a 2+1 seating configuration.

The double-deckers are not deployed on a fixed timing. Therefore, it is entirely up to your luck if you’d like to try out these buses. Even if you find it on a certain timing, these buses are likely to be full. I tried my luck to get on the bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur. I went to the terminal a day earlier to get the ticket, but was advised to come early next morning to get the confirmed timings of the double-decker. I was not disappointed as I got my ticket for the 9am departure to Larkin in Johor Bahru.

Upon reaching the designated Gate 10 boarding gate, I quickly realised that all seats on the bus are filled. Lucky me! At precisely 9am, JNG2454 pulled up at the bay. Interestingly, JNG2454 is third and latest double-decker in the fleet. Looking for my seat is a breeze with the seat number labels on the overhead luggage bin. Yes, the bus is fitted with overhead luggage bins, an unheard feature on double-deckers in the country. My seat was just near the staircase and true enough, all seats in the bus are taken up. After a final round of checks by the ticketing counter staff, the bus embarked on the 5-hour journey to JB at around 9.20am.

This will be my second trip on the Mercedes-Benz IBC2036 (the first was with Platinum Star Coach). I noticed that the acceleration was slower than the previous ride, probably due to the heavier load of the bus compared to the near-empty Platinum Star Coach bus. However, the cruising speed on the highway was nearly effortless. I had reservations on the speed of the bus. When compared to other double-deckers in the market, the Mercedes-Benz chassis has the lowest horsepower output, at only 360hp. But I guess the turbocharger made up for the smaller horsepower.

The seats were procured from XDE, with the ‘Orient’ brand also found on the armrests, presumably a new model by XDE. The fabric on the seats are sewn with Causeway Link’s signature pair of smileys. Brown colour scheme are chosen for JNG2454, whereas the earlier two units are fitted with blue colour scheme seats. The lower saloon seats 8 people with the remaining on the upper deck. Boarding and alighting activities are done through a single door located just before the second-axle. The staircase near the door leads to the upper deck.

Although the lower saloon seating is configured like a regular SVIP bus (single seat on the left/nearside of the bus), the upper deck is configured with double-seats on the left/nearside of the bus. It is something refreshing and not quite usually seen on express buses here, let alone on a double-decker. The feeling on the bus is somewhat similar to an urban double-decker citybus, thanks to its box-styled bodywork and large windows. I myself was not too bothered with the airconditioning, which I felt is just nice for the journey.

Unlike other operators on the KL-JB route, Causeway Link Express does not make any mealbreak stops along the highway. Only a 15-20 minutes toilet break are made at any of the lay-bys. This made it one of the services with a shorter journey time compared to the majority that stops at Pagoh or Yong Peng for mealbreaks.

I find it hard to keep myself awake during the journey. The comfy seats and an exceptionally smooth ride made me dozed off for quite sometime after the rest stop. After disembarking passengers at Skudai, the bus took another 15-minutes to reach Larkin Sentral, the transport hub in Johor Bahru. It reached the terminal at precisely 1.35pm –  a good 4-hour journey from KL. This itself is one of the fastest I’ve been on for this route.

With a spanking new bus, comfy seats, smooth ride, cool aircon, fast journey time – I was notably impressed with Causeway Link Express. On that note, I’m pleased to award Causeway Link Express a 4-star rating. Look out for more double-deckers by Causeway Link Express on the roads soon.

For ticketing, please contact the following Causeway Link Express offices:

Malaysia

Johor Bahru
BT 11, Terminal Awam Larkin, Jalan Garuda, 80350 Larkin, Johor Bahru.
Tel: 07 – 224 2244

Kuala Lumpur

Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)
Counter 57, TBS, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 - 9056 1598

Pudu Sentral (formerly known as Puduraya)
Counter 24, Pudu Sentral, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 – 2078 8294

Shah Alam
Counter 25, Terminal Bas & Teksi, No 25, Jalan Jejulung, 17/21 Seksyen 17, Shah Alam.
Tel: 03 – 5541 2453

Klang
Counter 26, Klang Sentral Terminal A, Express Terminal Persiaran, Klang Sentral, Klang Sentral Raja Merai, 41050 Klang.
Tel: 03 – 3344 3046

Singapore
#L2-49, IMM Building, Jurong East St 21
Tel: +65 – 6896 4084
Fax: +65 – 6896 3240
E-mail: handal@singnet.com.sg

Website and E-ticketing: http://www.causewaylink.com.my/

With the imminent closure of Copthorne Orchid Hotel, Odyssey Prestige Coaches have since shifted its Singapore office to Balestier Plaza. The luxury coach operator have operated from its new premises since 1st April 2011.

Balestier Plaza is accessible via public bus from the nearest MRT station, Toa Payoh Station.

Copyright streetdirectory.com

Please be informed that with immediate effect, Delima Express is no longer operating out of Kallang Bahru/Lavender Street Bus Station. It has shifted to its new ticketing office located at City Plaza, just 5-7 minutes walk from Paya Lebar MRT Station. Other operating details remains unchanged.

Departures to Melaka is at 9am, 2.30pm and 6.45pm. One-way tickets starts at S$20.80.

For ticketing and enquiries, please call:

Delima Singapore Pte Ltd
#01-72A City Plaza
810 Geylang Road
Singapore 409286

Tel: 6745 1963

Online ticketing available at http://www.busonlineticket.com/.

Johor’s largest public transport operator, Causeway Link-Handal Indah, today launched it’s fifth cross-border bus service between Johor Bahru and Singapore.

CW5 will operate between JB and Newton Circus Car Park, also at the doorstep to one of Singapore’s famous food icon, Newton Circus Food Centre. The express service operates between 5am and 10.45pm from JB, and between 6am and 11.30pm from Newton Circus. Frequency is set at between 15-20 minutes per bus. 8 brand-new Scania buses with tram bodywork are deployed for CW5, with an additional 2 units expected soon. Frequencies will be adjusted as demand picks up in the future. fares are set lower than the other CW bus services – at S$2 from Singapore and RM2.50 from JB. Passengers are free to hop on any Causeway Link services at either checkpoints as per current arrangements.

Part of the landmark deal reached by leaders of the two countries last year, CW5 is the first of four new bus services to be launched by Malaysia. Causeway Link has been given the go-ahead by the authorities in both countries to operate all four services, with another three to operate to Boon Lay Interchange, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa in the coming months. Singapore has launched three cross-border bus services over the past year, operated by Transtar Travel and Advance Coach. The fourth operator has yet to be identified, but newspaper reports have mentioned that Luxury Tours and Travel has won the fourth licence for the bus service.

For more information on CW5, log on to http://www.causewaylink.com.my or their Facebook page.

Jom Naik Bas! would like to thank Mr Johnny Low, Station Manager of Causeway Link’s Singapore office for his assistance.

We have received the official confirmation from Konsortium Transnasional Berhad (KTB) on their relocation from Terminal Bukit Jalil to TBS-BTS from 1st March 2011. The affected southbound routes includes Johor Bahru, Kulai, Kota Tinggi, Muar, Batu Pahat, Melaka, Tampin, Gemas, Segamat, Kluang, Endau-Mersing, Kuala Rompin and Singapore. Northbound buses will continue to operate from Terminal Bukit Jalil until Hentian Puduraya is opened.

Transnasional will be using their own ticketing system. They have also been allocated counters 41-44 at TBS-BTS. Online reservation via Ticket4U will also be as per normal.

Bus Tingkat Datang Pada 16 Februari

16 February 2011 –  an imminent historical day for Indonesia’s public transport industry.

Surakarta’s Department of Transportations was quoted by Timlo.net, saying that the double-decker open-top tourist bus will be rolled out just in time for the 266th anniversary of Solo City, which falls on 17 February. The bus is currently at the final stages of assembly. CV Tri Sakti Magelang was tasked to assemble the bus, believed to be built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis. The bus has a height of about 4.5 metres and 2.5 metres wide, seats for 30 passengers on the lower deck and 34 on the upper deck. It will be operated exclusively for tourists and runned on a charter basis.

- First posted on Timlo.net on Thursday, 10 February 2011

Photo copyright of Timlo.net.

Surakarta’s Department of Transportation will ensure that the double-decker tour bus will arrive in Solo on 16 February, or one day before the 266th anniversary of Solo City. The bus is currently in the final stages of assembly at Tri Sakti CV Magelang, a local motor works company.

Surakarta’s Head of the Transportation Department, Yosca Soedrajat Herman, said that the double-decker tour bus is currently 95% complete. The coachbuilder is now waiting for some parts from Brazil to arrive. “We’ve checked the bus yesterday. I think it will arrive in Surakarta on February 16, and ready to be operated subsequently,” he said.

But before operating the bus, he said, certain issues may need to be resolved with the cooperation of other agencies. There are some things that are considered operational hazards that may inhibit the double-decker bus. Among these are electrical wire cables, large tree trunks hanging in the middle of the road and billboard poles.

Design-wise, the red-coloured bus features comfortable seating. The bus reached 4.5 meters in height and 2.5 meters wide, which is about similar to other buses.

Herman added, the double-decker bus will only be available to tourists who wants to tour Solo City. Attractions that may be operated to are, among others, Keraton Surakarta, Kampung Batik Kauman and Laweyan, Mangkunegaran, Radya Museum Library and a number of other places.

However, because of the height, the bus is not expected to enter into Kampung Batik Kauman or Laweyan, and must be parked at the entrance.”For sure, double-decker bus will bring tourists to places as he wishes. However, when such limitations occur at that location, the bus must be parked outside,” he explained.

The double-decker tour bus that is aimed at the tourists will be ready for operations around February 2011. In addition, the double-decker bus will also serve to commemorate the past, due to the fact that double-decker buses are still popular with the general public. ”Previously, double-decker buses served as public buses, but now it is operated as a package- or charter-based tour bus,” he concluded.

Other sources:

Solo City to showcase double-decker bus – Timlo.net

Tourist bus will help the economy – Timlo.net

Government of Solo City will roll out double-decker tourist bus – Departemen Komunikasi dan Informatika, Badan Informasi Publik

One of the most recognisable brands in the interstate coach express industry, Sani Express, today announced a major expansion programme for this year.

In an interview with Harian Metro, its Chief Executive Officer Major (R) Abu Bakar Mohammad, said that the company has ordered 13 new buses recently, which will spearhead the expansion. Sani Express will focus on southbound services from Kuala Lumpur, such as Melaka, Johor Bahru and even Singapore.

The first batch of 6 buses are expected to be rolled out by August 2011, just in time for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri travel exodus. About RM20 million is being invested on the new executive-class double-decker coaches, and will also be spent on new ticketing offices at the new destinations. It is not known at this juncture if Sani Express will continue to order more Scania coaches or otherwise.

Apart from launching new services to the South, Sani Express will also open a new ticketing office on Penang Island, an enhancement from its existing services to Butterworth. Sani Express expects its passenger ridership to increase by as much as 50%, to about 3,000 passengers daily from the current 2,000.

http://www.saniexpress.com.my/

Sani Express tambah laluan (Sani Express adds new routes)

- First published on Harian Metro on Tuesday, 8th February 2011

SANI Express Sdn Bhd (Sani Express) akan melengkapkan perjalanannya untuk meliputi destinasi ke seluruh negara apabila bakal memperkenalkan laluan baru dari ibu negara ke selatan tanah air, malah hingga ke Singapura mulai Ogos depan.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Mejar (B) Abu Bakar Mohammad berkata, sehubungan itu pihaknya merancang pelaburan kira-kira RM20 juta untuk membeli bas baru dan membuka beberapa pusat jualan.

“Kami sudah menempah 13 unit bas baru yang kini sedang dalam proses pembuatan.

“Kami menjangkakan enam unit akan disiapkan Ogos nanti atau sebelum sambutan Aidilfitri bagi membolehkan operasi ke kawasan Selatan bermula pada masa itu.

“Operasi ke selatan membabitkan laluan Kuala Lumpur dan Melaka serta ke bawah (Johor) sehinggalah Singapura. Selain itu, kami akan memperkenalkan laluan di Pulau Pinang dan membuka pejabat jualan ke sana juga pada Ogos. Ketika ini Sani Express hanya menyediakan perkhidmatan ke Butterworth saja,” katanya ketika dihubungi Bisnes Metro di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Menurutnya, pengenalan laluan baru berkenaan dijangka akan meningkatkan jumlah penumpang Sani Express sebanyak 50 peratus.

“Apabila perkhidmatan ke laluan selatan dan Pulau Pinang beroperasi nanti, kami jangkakan akan meningkatkan jumlah penumpang daripada 2,000 kepada 3,000 orang sehari,” katanya.

 

Update (17 February 2011)

Odyssey Prestige Coaches have made an official announcement on its Facebook page that it will cease operations of its services out of Dorsett Regency Hotel in Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur. It added that this is in line with the authorities’ requirements stating that southbound services will have to shift to TBS-BTS from 1st March. However, Odyssey’s services at Mont Kiara remains unaffected and will continue to operate as per normal. Services to and from Avenue K were suspended before the requirement and will continue to be suspended until further notice.

————————————————————————————————————–

Executive coach operators on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore sector have announced that they are not affected by the opening of Terminal Bersepadu Selatan – Bandar Tasik Selatan. As of press time, most stated that they have not receive any instructions from the authorities to relocate to the new TBS-BTS complex. As such, they will continue to operate from existing locations around Kuala Lumpur until further notice.

Below is a list of executive coach operators that will operate from their existing points:

• Aeroline – Corus Hotel (Jalan Ampang)
• Airebus Platinum Cruiser/WTS Travel – Various hotels in Bukit Bintang and MidValley Megamall
• Compass Coaches – Berjaya Times Square
• First Coach – Jalan Kemuja, adjacent to Bangsar LRT Station
• Five Stars Tours – Hentian Pasarakyat, Jalan Melati off Jalan Imbi (Some services may depart from TBS-BTS. Please check with operator for the precise departing point of each trip)
• Grassland Express – Imbi Monorail Station, Jalan Imbi opposite Berjaya Times Square
• Konsortium Express (KBES) – Various hotels in Bukit Bintang and Hentian Pasarakyat (Some services may depart from TBS-BTS. Please check with operator for the precise departing point of each trip)
• Luxury Tours – Hotel pick-up at Dorsett Regency, Istana, Prince Hotel and Residences, and Sheraton Imperial
• Nice Executive Coach – Old KTM Railway Station and KL Sentral
• Odyssey Prestige Coaches – Mont Kiara, avenue K (KLCC) and Dorsett Regency Hotel (Jalan Imbi)
• Orange Coach – Legend Hotel (Jalan Putra) and Frenz Hotel (Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman)
• Starmart Express (Suasana Edaran) – Hentian Pasarakyat and Berjaya Times Square (Some services may depart from TBS-BTS. Please check with operator for the precise departing point of each trip)
• Transtar Express – Hentian Pasarakyat

First Coach is undeniably one of the more popular executive coach service between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Since it’s establishment in 2004, it has remained among the preferred choice of commuters when it comes to coach travel between the two countries. First Coach is part of a huge transport group that also includes Ekspres Satria, Ekspres Bulan Restu, Pahang Union Omnibus and Town Bus of Melaka. Together they make up one of Malaysia’s largest privately-runned transportation group.

First Coach operates to several points in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. In Malaysia, it calls at Bangsar (Kuala Lumpur), Bandar Utama (Damansara) and Holiday Villa Subang Jaya. It has two separate terminals in Singapore, one each at Novena Square Shopping Mall and The Plaza @ Beach Road. First Coach operates 22 return trips daily, making it one of the most frequent express coach operator between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. In line with its safety commitment to its passengers, it does not operate any overnight services. The last departure of the day will leave at 8.30pm.

Although the online ticketing system was available, I proceeded to its office at The Plaza @ Beach Road to buy my ticket. There are many seats available for the intended departure since it is a weekday, a traditionally low period for any coach operators. Payment and the issuance of ticket was generally hassle-free and the transaction was completed well under 10 minutes. Don’t fret if you do not have cash in hand, payment can be made via NETS, Visa or Mastercard credit cards. As per the norm, I was reminded by the ticketing staff to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. The purchase was ended with a smile and thanks from the ticketing staff, a move that hopefully is a sign of better things to come during the trip itself.

I arrived promptly at 8am, a good half an hour before the scheduled departure to Bangsar at 8.30am. I had expected the bus to be fairly empty, and true enough, there were only 3 other passengers onboard, with me. Another positive sign came along as I watched the latest executive coach in all of First Coach’s fleet pulled up at the parking bay. Delighted, overjoyed and elated as little did I expect to travel onboard their latest machine, WUB5233.

WUB5233, is the third MAN 18.360 (A82) executive coach in First Coach’s fleet, which is currently undergoing a fleet renewal exercise. I was told that there will be more such coaches, assembled by Intercoach Sdn Bhd, to be rolled out in the coming months. The MAN coaches will replace the Scania K114IBs that have been the flagship since its establishment. The coach also featured new and refreshing interiors, such as the latest ergonomically-designed fabric seats by TKH. All 27 seats are equipped with a personal entertainment system with Audio-Video-On-Demand, playing movies and music with a touch of a button. Charge up your mobile devices with the power sockets available at every other seat.

The friendly coach captain handed a bottle of mineral water draped in First Coach corporate colours to each passenger as we board the bus. Just as soon as we are seated, the smiling ticketing staff offered us a packet of Oreo cookies. It may not be filling but sure does help a bit in satisfying the hunger pangs, should you not have time for breakfast before the departure. At precisely 8.28am, the bus left The Plaza for the 5-hour journey to Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur.

The bus made use of the Second Link to get to Malaysia, a faster and shorter alternative to the Woodlands Crossing. Being a weekday, we managed to clear both Singapore and Malaysia immigrations within 30 minutes. By 9.30am, the bus left the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ Complex in Gelang Patah.

The plush and ultra-comfy seats were too irresistible. I had to fight myself from dozing off, just so that I can document the journey better. It certainly was harder for me to fight with the perfect cabin temperature and the rainy weather outside. It impressed me a lot that the bus was not freezingly-cold, like how I had actually anticipated. Even with the blower fully-opened and blowing directly at me, I actually felt quite cozy. The Spheros air-conditioning system has definitely scored high points in this regard.

However, I was dismayed to learn that the entertainment system was not available. Either it was not switched on, or it was faulty, I had no idea. I’d wanted to ask the coach captain, but the coziness of the seat somehow made up for the lack of entertainment. With my iPod switched on, I succumbed at last and fell asleep. But not for long, as the bus pulled up at the Machap R&R area for a 30 minutes break. A perfect opportunity for me to have a closer look at the amazing bus.

The second coach captain took over from the first at this stage. The bus then left Machap R&R at about 10.50am. Along the highway, we experienced relentless rain throughout much of the journey. I was relieved that the coach captain was alert and tactful, as he drove the bus at a more modest speed. The journey just got more comfortable and pleasing, not too mention that I slept with a peace of mind under the cautious captain’s care. I have to mention that the soft suspension of the bus and the meticulous skills of the captain are crucial in that kind of wet weather.

The bus made a 10-minutes toilet break at the Senawang lay-by. I had begun to anticipate a delayed arrival at Bangsar due to the erratic weather. The time was already 1.20pm as the bus approached the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza. Although the rain had stopped, the skies were still gloomy and dark clouds still lingered in the horizon. To reach Bangsar, the bus used the New Pantai Expressway or NPE. I had expected NPE to be free from congestion, but I was wrong. We encountered a fairly huge congestion. Fortunately, the build-up was moving and we finally made it to Bangsar LRT Station, the final stop, at about 2pm. A bit late, but there was certainly no reason for me to complain. A final touch to the journey ends with a gentle reminder from the coach captains to book my return tickets early, as First Coach buses to Singapore are often sold out on weekends. A warm goodbye and appreciation conveyed to the superb coach captains, before they left for their much-deserved rest.

My first ever maiden journey with First Coach has been a pleasant one to say the least. It is no wonder that First Coach has been one of preferred choice from commuters in Singapore and Malaysia. Coupled with low-fares (First Coach offers a single-tier pricing scheme for all trips, all day except Super-Peak season), amazing on-time performance, warm, courteous and friendly staff, First Coach has proven itself to be one of the Big Boys in the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur coach market segment. With that, I’m pleased to award First Coach a 4-star rating.

For ticketing, please contact the following First Coach branches:

Malaysia

Bangsar Office
No. 48, Jalan Kemuja, 59100 Kuala Lumpur (5 minutes walk from Bangsar LRT Station)
Tel: (603) 2287 3311

Bandar Utama Office
Lot C.02B, Concourse Level KPMG Tower, 8, First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: (603) 7725 3311

Holiday Villa Subang Jaya Office
Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts, Level 2, No. 9, Jalan SS12/1, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Tel: (603) 5621 2211

Singapore

The Plaza
7500A, Beach Road, B1-310, The Plaza Block A, Singapore 199591
Tel: (65) 6820 2211

Novena Square
238 Thomson Road, #03-33, Novena Square, Singapore 307683
Tel: (65) 6822 2111

Website: http://www.firstcoach.com.my/

For schedules and ticket prices, please click on the following page - http://www.firstcoach.com.my/schedule.php.

(Warning! Image intensive article.)

New Year’s Day 2011 marks the beginning of a new era in the interstate express coach transportation industry in Malaysia, with the opening of the new Terminal Bersepadu Selatan-Bandar Tasik Selatan or TBS-BTS for short.

The long awaited terminal complex situated at the south of Kuala Lumpur was developed as a hub for southbound coaches. Coaches bound for places such as Johor Bahru, Melaka and Singapore will call at TBS-BTS, replacing Hentian Puduraya at the heart of the capital. TBS-BTS is the first of three such transport hubs currently being planned – one at Sungai Buloh for northbound buses and another at Gombak for eastbound buses. All three integrated transport hubs will ultimately replace existing interstate terminals across Kuala Lumpur such as Hentian Duta, Hentian Putra and Hentian Pekeliling.

Southern Integrated Terminal - Bandar Tasik Selatan

Built at a cost of RM570million (US$186million), the sprawling state-of-the-art complex is well-connected to the KTM Komuter service, the Ampang Line LRT and the KLIA Transit system via a pedestrian bridge. It has direct access to the BESRAYA (Sungai Besi Expressway) and the MRR2 (Middle Ring Road 2). Ample taxi and shuttle bus bays are available on the ground floor. Long-distance taxi service are also available at level 4 of the complex. Sited within the 6-storey complex are 2 levels of retail and F&B outlets. Confirmed tenants includes Starbucks Coffee, Kenny Rogers, Wendy’s and KFC. A range of retail shops comprising of convenience stores, fashion, lifestyle and pharmacy will also be opened.

Other amenities and facilities provided are ATM machines, prayer rooms, customer service centre, a conference room and free wi-fi.

TBS-BTS itself follows closely the concept of an airport. A centralised ticketing system, aimed at eradicating touts, are in place for all operators to make use of. Passengers will be able to choose their preferred operator with just a touch of a screen, and subsequently choose their seats. This can be done at either the manned ticketing counters or the self-service kiosk found at the concourse level. Those who have bought their tickets on the internet will need to obtain a boarding pass, which can be changed at the Boarding Pass counters. A counter exclusively for senior citizens and the disabled is also available. Operator of TBS-BTS, Maju Terminal Management and Services (TMAS) has announced that an online ticketing system for all operators at the terminal complex will be made available by the middle of this year.

Boarding and alighting activities are confined to the second level. Disembarkation activities are done at the non-airconditioned arrival platforms where passengers will proceed to the level 3 concourse using escalators. 21 departure gates lined the airconditioned Primary Departure Lounge. Ample seats and mobile kiosks are also available at the Primary Departure Lounge. Each bus will have its movement monitored upon entering the premises, and updates flashed on screens all over the complex. A holding area for buses to park and refuel are located at the southern end of the terminal complex.

Currently, only 9 operators are operating out of TBS-BTS. Many operators have yet to shift to the new complex citing ticketing and other charges as the main stumbling block. However, the authorities have announced that the temporary terminal at Bukit Jalil will be closed from 2nd February 2011, in tandem with the re-opening of Hentian Puduraya. All southbound buses will be moved to TBS-BTS after that date.

It remains to be seen if passengers and operators will embrace this new concept with open arms. They need to work closely and quickly conclude any outstanding issues that are preventing the operators to move to the complex. The fiasco pertaining to the refusal of bus operators to shift to the complex should be a lesson for all parties concerned to better improve the processes necessary in ensuring that the operations are disrupted to the minimal, and provide the general public with a world-class transport system.

Visit the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan-Bandar Tasik Selatan website at http://www.tbsbts.com.my/.

Update: Authorities have pushed back the deadline for operators to shift to TBS-BTS from 2 February to 1 March.

Direct pedestrian bridge from Ampang Line LRT (leftmost tracks), KTM Komuter (middle tracks) and KLIA Transit (rightmost tracks) rail systems.

Access road from Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2).

Access road to BESRAYA Expressway.

Public taxi stand located at the ground floor outside the terminal complex.

Bays for city shuttle buses. RapidKL has yet to announce any bridging services that will call at TBS-BTS.

Taxis to other towns outside KL are located at Level 4.

Level 3 - Ticketing Concourse.

Directory panels can be found around the terminal complex.

Interactive touch screens are in place for the public to get information on the terminal complex.

Ticketing Concourse as seen from Level 4.

As many as 18 manned ticketing counters are available.

E-ticket holders can exchange for a boarding pass at these counters. An exclusive counter for Senior Citizens and the disabled is also available for their convenience.

Yet to be commissioned are these self-service kiosks where passengers can also purchase tickets.

This huge information panel makes the terminal complex feels like an airport.

These LCD monitors are placed all over the terminal complex so passengers will be updated on the buses' latest movements.

Executive Lounge exclusive for executive coach passengers. Much like the First Class lounge at the airport.

Customer Service Centre at Level 3.

Information counter at the Level 3 Ticketing Concourse.

Nasi Kandar restaurant - one of the many eateries found at TBS-BTS. Others including Wendy's, Starbucks Coffee, Kenny Rogers Roasters and KFC will open soon.

 

Arrival concourse.

Escalators lead arriving passengers to Level 3.

Wheelchair-accessible platform at Platform D.

Primary Departure Lounge.

Primary Departure Lounge.

Boarding gate.

Mobile kiosks at the Primary Departure Lounge, which will open soon for business.