SG-JB Causeway Link Bus Goes Cashless

The Causeway Link express bus service, operated by Causeway Link (Handal Indah Sdn Bhd), has fully discontinued cash payments for journeys between Singapore and Johor Bahru effective August 20, 2026. This change affects all yellow-smiley branded buses departing from the Newton and Queen Street terminals in Singapore, requiring passengers to adopt tap-and-go payments or pre-purchased tickets for cross-border travel between Malaysia and Singapore.

Key Facts

Effective August 20, 2026, all Causeway Link buses between Singapore and Johor Bahru are fully cashless at Newton and Queen Street terminals.

What Changes for Commuters Using Cash on August 20?

As of August 20, 2026, cash is no longer accepted for direct onboard payment on Causeway Link buses at Singapore terminals; however, cash can still be used for pre-boarding ticket purchases. Passengers at Queen Street can buy a single journey e‑ticket from a ManjaLink kiosk, while Newton commuters can purchase a ManjaLink card from ground staff before boarding. Those without any payment card or app must therefore queue for a physical ticket before entry.

"Drivers of the yellow smiley buses will no longer accept cash payments at Newton and Queen Street in Singapore from today, August 20."

— Paul Tan's Automotive News, August 20, 2026

The transition eliminates cash handling onboard, reducing dwell time and preventing payment disputes during peak hours. The exact number of affected daily passengers has not been disclosed by the operator as of the source date.

3. Which Payment Methods Are Accepted for the Cashless Causeway Link Bus?

Visa, Mastercard, Singapore EZ‑Link, ManjaLink, and Lugo are the five accepted cashless methods on Causeway Link buses from August 20, 2026. For Malaysian users, the ManjaLink app (available for both iOS and Android) links to the same transit network used for other Causeway Link services. The Lugo app provides an additional digital wallet option, and a single-journey e‑ticket can also be purchased. No Malaysian e-wallet (such as Touch 'n Go or GrabPay) is listed in the source.

As a comparison, Malaysian commuters who typically use ManjaLink for other Causeway Link routes in Johor Bahru will find the same system works for cross-border trips. There is no source-provided data on whether a local MYR balance is required for the Singapore leg.

4. Is the Cashless Policy Compatible with My Existing ManjaLink Card?

Yes, the ManjaLink card is explicitly listed as a payment option on both terminals, with the card being sold at Newton ground staff if you do not already have one. The source confirms that ManjaLink is accepted for single journeys and as a stored-value option. However, it does not state whether the card must be a separate Singapore-issued version or whether a standard ManjaLink card works from Johor.

Existing users from the Johor side (where ManjaLink has been common for rapid transit within JB) should note that the source does not mention reload fees or additional currency charges. The card itself can be purchased at Newton, and kiosk e-tickets at Queen Street.

5. Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This update directly affects daily cross-border commuters from Johor Bahru who work or study in Singapore, as well as tourists from Kuala Lumpur and Penang who may plan un-carded visits to Singapore. For these users, the change removes the uncertainty of having cash for the last-minute train or bus ride, but introduces a dependency on having at least one of the five payment methods. The advantage is a faster boarding process, which the source says is aligned with the wider SG-JB connected transport network.

Common Questions

Can I still pay with cash on the Causeway Link bus after August 20?

No cash is accepted onboard the bus. You can pay with cash before boarding by purchasing an e-ticket at the ManjaLink kiosk (Queen Street) or buying a ManjaLink card from Newton ground staff. No direct onboard cash payments are possible.

Does the Lugo app work for the Causeway Link Singapore route?

Yes, the Lugo app is listed as an accepted cashless payment method on the Singapore – Johor Bahru route. You can use the app to pay for your single trip, and it functions as a QR-based transit payment solution. No specific app version is mentioned in the source.

Will my Singapore EZ‑Link card be accepted on the Causeway Link bus?

Yes, the Singapore EZ‑Link card is explicitly accepted on the Causeway Link bus from August 20, 2026. You can tap your EZ‑Link card at the card reader, and no cash will be needed. This works alongside Visa and Mastercard cards.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the following source:

• Primary source: Paul Tan's Automotive News, published August 20, 2026: "SG-JB Causeway Link bus going cashless from Aug 20"
• Localisation: The source material contains no Malaysian Ringgit (RM) fare amounts or prices. The source does not report specific fare rates, so no RM conversion is applied in this article.
• Context: The service operates in Singapore (Newton and Queen Street) with no reported change to Johor's bus operations.

This article was last updated on [current date]. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the original source only; no additional primary data was used.