As Sunway City Iskandar Puteri (SCIP) celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2024, the township marks another milestone with the announcement of a strategic five-year partnership with Handal Indah Sdn Bhd (Causeway Link). This collaboration aims to enhance cross-border connectivity between Johor and Singapore, reinforcing SCIP’s commitment to sustainable development and regional integration.
SCIP, Sunway’s largest township spanning nearly 2,000 acres with a GDV exceeding RM30 billion, has invested in extending the Causeway Link ‘CW7L’ bus service to include key stops at Sunway Big Box and Sunway GRID within its township. This service extension provides direct access to the 2nd Link CIQ, streamlining travel and reducing commute times.
Notably, SCIP is now the first stop in and out of Singapore on this route. The distance from SCIP to Singapore is just 5KM, with a travel time of approximately 10 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This initiative highlights SCIP and Handal Indah’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and improving quality of life for both communities.
Gerard Soosay, Chief Executive Officer of SCIP, emphasised the significance of this partnership in advancing SCIP’s vision of creating a well-connected, vibrant township.
“Our relationship with Singapore has always been one of mutual growth and collaboration. Before the pandemic, this bus service was a vital link for many of our residents and visitors, but it had to be paused due to the lockdown. With the growing demand and a resurgence in cross-border activities, we are excited to renew this service as part of our ongoing 10th anniversary celebrations.
By extending the Causeway Link bus service to Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, we are not only making life easier for our residents and working communities but also reinforcing the strong ties between our two communities—ensuring that the Johor-Singapore relationship continues to thrive,” said Mr. Gerard.
The resurgence of this service is timely, as the region experiences a notable increase in cross-border activity post-pandemic. This year alone, the CW7L bus services have seen a significant increase, with ridership doubling compared to previous years, underscoring the growing demand for cross-border transportation. Apart from reinforcing the strong economic ties between Johor and Singapore, this initiative also aligns with the objectives of government initiatives such as the Special Financial Zone (SFZ) and the Rapid Transit System (RTS), where improved accessibility is essential.
Additionally, it supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, reflecting SCIP’s commitment to building inclusive, safe, and sustainable developments.
With the CW7L bus service now extending to SCIP, the township is positioned as a prime location for Singaporeans, including retirees and working parents, who are looking for a convenient place to live. Additionally, the improved connectivity is expected to benefit Malaysians working in Singapore, allowing them to travel effortlessly on a daily basis.
This service extension aims to attract a diverse range of residents and visitors, further enhancing SCIP’s role as a thriving, connected community.
Lim Chern Fang, Deputy Executive Director of Handal Indah asserted, “We are excited to partner with Sunway City Iskandar Puteri to introduce the SCIP CWL Bus Service, a major advancement in cross-border transportation.
“This service represents our goal to provide efficient, reliable travel solutions that meet the needs of commuters between Johor and Singapore. By enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times, we aim to strengthen regional integration and support the vibrant communities we serve. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on both sides of the border.”
The CW7L bus service operates on a new route meticulously planned for maximum convenience and efficiency. Passengers can expect regular and frequent service, with up-to-date fares and schedules available through the LUGO app, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. To celebrate the service extension and SCIP’s 10th anniversary, a limited-edition ManjaLink x SCIP card will be available for purchase in due course.
“This partnership exemplifies our continuous efforts to enhance connectivity and support our community,” added Mr. Gerard. “As we celebrate SCIP’s 10th anniversary, we are eager to continue developing Sunway City Iskandar Puteri as Sunway’s next generation smart and sustainable city, where the community can live, learn, work, play, and stay in a safe, healthy, and connected environment. Our hope is for this bus service to achieve self-sustainability within the next five years, further embedding Sunway’s role as a leader in sustainable development.”