logo
Bus operator working to address drivers' concerns after strike, vows to keep Johor-Singapore services running

Bus operator working to address drivers' concerns after strike, vows to keep Johor-Singapore services running

CNA3 days ago
SINGAPORE: Cross-border bus operator Causeway Link (CW) is working to address the concerns raised by some of its drivers, following a wage strike on Monday (Jul 21) morning which left thousands of commuters temporarily stranded at Johor's Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex.
In a statement on Tuesday (Jul 22), it confirmed that "a number" of its bus drivers went on strike, saying: "We take this matter seriously and recognise the importance of the issues being raised.
"We want to reassure the public and our passengers that we are actively engaging with the relevant parties to address the situation and reach a constructive resolution."
Malaysian media had reported that around 100 bus drivers went on strike on Monday morning over a pay dispute, affecting thousands of commuters who were making their way to Singapore.
News outlet The New Straits Times (NST) said the industrial action was sparked due to a revised pay scheme which saw drivers lose between RM800 (US$189) and RM900 in monthly income, in addition to an increase in the number of daily trips to be taken from four to five.
While Malaysian media reported that bus services had returned to normal on Tuesday morning, Causeway Link noted passengers had been affected by the strike. The operator also vowed that bus services between Singapore and Malaysia would continue to operate.
"We are doing everything we can to minimise disruptions to our services and ensure that essential routes remain operational," it said. "We deeply regret any inconvenience caused to our passengers and appreciate your understanding during this time."
On the concerns raised by the striking drivers, Causeway Link added: "We want to reassure the public and our passengers that we are actively engaging with the relevant parties to address the situation and reach a constructive resolution.
"We are committed to maintaining open communication and a respectful working environment for all employees."
It also acknowledged the "vital role" of its bus captains in delivering public transport services to the community.
"We remain hopeful that through continued dialogue, we can resolve the matter in a manner that is fair and beneficial for everyone involved."
Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh told The Malay Mail news outlet on Tuesday that there were "no developments yet" as both sides were still at the discussion stage.
Causeway Link had said on Monday that the disruption arose from a 'miscommunication concerning salary calculation matters with a group of drivers' and initially claimed that the concerns had been addressed.
SOME COMMUTERS HAD TO WALK ACROSS CAUSEWAY
Workers whom local media spoke to on Monday were caught off guard by the sudden long queues due to the strike.
A check on the bus company's social media pages had showed no notice or updates regarding the disrupted bus services to Singapore.
The situation forced some commuters to walk across the 1km-long Causeway from the BSI complex to Singapore to get to work on time.
Members of the public also shared on social media photos and videos of long queues at the complex, while lengthy queues for buses to Singapore had already formed by 6.30am.
Handal Indah is the company that runs the Causeway Link bus service between Singapore and Malaysia. According to CW's website, it operates several routes from Singapore to different destinations across Johor, including Johor Bahru, as well as within the state.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pick Network adding 150 parcel lockers across Singapore by March 2026
Pick Network adding 150 parcel lockers across Singapore by March 2026

CNA

time11 hours ago

  • CNA

Pick Network adding 150 parcel lockers across Singapore by March 2026

Parcel locker service Pick Network is adding 150 new lockers across Singapore by March 2026 — one year ahead of schedule. 81 have already been installed in Build-to-Order projects and high-demand areas. Pick Network has also partnered with e-commerce giant Taobao to allow the return of its packages at the lockers from September. It is now working with e-commerce platforms to plan for multiple deliveries for lockers throughout the day. Ivy Chok reports.

Neonergia courts GIC to fuel Brazil's power grid
Neonergia courts GIC to fuel Brazil's power grid

Independent Singapore

time14 hours ago

  • Independent Singapore

Neonergia courts GIC to fuel Brazil's power grid

YT screencapture SINGAPORE: Neoenergia plans to propose a sale of its transmission assets to Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC. It also reflects the growing global interest in Brazil's energy infrastructure. The Brazilian electric utility, which is a subsidiary of Spain's Iberdrola, is set to offer GIC a 50% stake in a four-project transmission portfolio by 2026. CEO Eduardo Capelastegui discussed this potential deal during a recent quarterly briefing. He emphasised a careful plan for managing capital and lowering debt. In a previous deal in 2023, GIC acquired 50% of eight operational transmission assets that span 1,865 km and generate BRL 1.2 billion (S$277.63 million). According to the GIC 2023/2024 Report, over the 20 years up to 31 March 2024, its portfolio posted annualised real returns of 3.9%. Latin America accounts for 4% of GIC's global portfolio. The current project is expected to be finished by end-2025. It expands Neoenergia's platform, which manages 6,279 km of transmission lines. Neoenergia's asset rotation strategy is intentional. By selling selected infrastructure assets, the company frees up capital for reinvestment and simplifies its balance sheet. The sales from 2023 and 2025 have already brought in over BRL 1.3 billion (S$300.57 million), funding the company's BRL 7 billion (S$1.62 billion) annual investment in distribution networks and renewable energy projects. Capelastegui highlighted the company's flexibility, mentioning that the sale is not necessary. 'We will carefully assess any offer to ensure it serves our shareholders' interests,' he stated. This careful approach was clear when the company decided to skip the October 2025 transmission auction, explaining that the returns were below their target of double-digit real returns. The partnership with GIC provides strategic benefits for both sides. For Neoenergia, it offers financial strength and shared risks in Brazil's capital-heavy transmission sector. For GIC, it represents a stable, long-term investment in key emerging market infrastructure with substantial growth potential. The promise of the venture is highlighted by recent project completions. In 2024, assets like Itabapoana, Estreito, and Paraíso generated an additional BRL 300 million (S$69.3 million) in revenue annually, and it is anticipated that assets currently under construction will generate an additional BRL 700 million (S$161.9 million). The Neoenergia-GIC partnership is prepared to play a significant role in forming Brazil's power grid infrastructure as the country accelerates its energy transition. GIC's potential purchase of transmission assets and its latest investment in German property tech firm Techem align with its strategic focus on infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store