SINGAPORE: Thursday was the start of a long public holiday
weekend but for some Singaporeans it might have started the day
before as they crossed over the Causeway to spend their
holidays.
It had been brisk business for bus operators going into Johor since
6 o'clock in the morning.
Hundreds of people were seen eagerly boarding the buses, some with
heavy luggage, and many with friends or families in tow.
"We are going to Johor Bahru, and then Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
After that, we are flying back. My friends want to do some
shopping," said a woman commuter.
"This is a long weekend. I take leave on Friday and we go for some
retreat from work," said another.
"I'm going home because it's a long holiday. I'm also meeting my
friends in my home town," said a third.
There were also those who were heading into Malaysia for
last-minute Hari Raya shopping.
"We want to buy for Hari Raya celebrations, buy kampung biscuits
and cakes. The price is better than in Singapore, better than
Geylang," said one.
With so many people heading to Malaysia, one would expect slow
traffic at the Causeway, but it seemed that that was not the case,
at least up till 1pm.
There was no traffic jam at the stretch nearing the Causeway nor at
the roads after the Singapore customs.
Although traffic at the car lanes coming into Singapore seemed
heavier, the bus lanes were fine.
"No jam today," said a woman.
"Everything is fine and good, going is very smooth, coming back to
Singapore, also very smooth," said a man.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority had earlier advised
commuters to plan their travel carefully to avoid possible
congestion starting from the eve of Deepavali.
From the look of things, many might have heeded the advice. -
CNA
The scene was filmed @ Kranji MRT Stn... Filmed SBS Sv 170X
FYI, SBS deployed all its 60 Sv 160/170 buses out for period bet
Fri and Mon