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/
