Cross-border bus mistakenly enters motorcycle lane, damaging vehicle and delaying traffic flow
A Singapore-bound SBS Transit bus struck a height barrier at Johor Bahru Customs after mistakenly entering the motorcycle lane, causing a brief but significant traffic delay on August 7.
Wrong Turn Leads to Collision
On the morning of August 7, an SBS Transit bus operating service number 170 accidentally entered the motorcycle lane at Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex. The vehicle collided with a height barrier, resulting in visible damage to its upper structure.
Social Media Footage
A 12-second clip widely shared on Facebook shows the bus lodged beneath the barrier, hazard lights flashing and information panel flickering. The narrow single-lane road was almost entirely blocked, forcing a queue of around 20 motorcyclists to wait before slowly navigating around the vehicle.
Bus Route and Incident Details
According to SBS Transit’s website, service 170 runs between Larkin in Johor Bahru and Queen Street in Singapore, passing through Woodlands Checkpoint. The incident occurred in the lane leading towards Singapore, as indicated by signage visible in the footage.
SBS Transit’s Response
SBS Transit spokeswoman Grace Wu confirmed the driver’s error, stating:
“Thankfully, no one on board including the bus captain was hurt. We apologise to affected commuters and motorcyclists for the inconvenience caused.”
She added that the company is assisting Malaysian police with their investigations.
Delays and Disruption
While SBS Transit did not disclose the number of passengers or the duration of the delay, the blocked lane caused a notable traffic backlog at one of the busiest cross-border checkpoints. The CIQ complex processes thousands of vehicles daily, making any disruption highly impactful for commuters.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the critical need for heightened driver awareness at border checkpoints, where complex lane systems separate motorcycles, cars, and buses. For both Singaporean and Malaysian travellers, such mishaps can lead to significant delays in already congested areas.
This collision at Johor Bahru Customs serves as a reminder of the challenges in cross-border traffic management between Singapore and Malaysia. Accurate lane navigation and heightened caution remain essential to avoid similar disruptions that can affect both nations’ commuters.
Sources: Mothership (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: SBS Transit Bus, Johor Bahru Customs, Height Barrier Accident, Cross-Border Traffic, Motorcycle Lane Incident, Singapore-JB Bus Service
