An SBS Transit cross-border bus was left wedged under a height barrier at Johor Bahru Customs after mistakenly entering a motorcycle lane, causing a brief traffic jam. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or the bus captain.
The 12-second video clip of the incident, widely circulated on Facebook, showed the service 170 bus stuck near the JB Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex. The top of the bus appeared damaged from the collision, its hazard lights flashing while its information panel flickered. Behind it, around 20 motorcyclists were seen waiting in a single-lane queue. A road sign visible in the footage indicated traffic was heading towards Woodlands in Singapore.
According to SBS Transit’s website, bus service 170 operates between Larkin in Johor Bahru and Queen Street in Singapore — making it a common route for commuters travelling between the two countries.
Bus Captain Entered Motorcycle Lane by Mistake
In a statement to the media, SBS Transit spokesperson Grace Wu explained that the bus captain had “accidentally entered the motorcycle lane at the Johor Bahru Customs” before coming into contact with the height barrier.
“Thankfully, no one on board including the bus captain was hurt. We apologise to affected commuters and motorcyclists for the inconvenience caused,” she said, adding that SBS Transit is working closely with Malaysian police as they investigate the incident.
The company did not confirm how long the disruption lasted, but the video suggests the bus almost completely blocked the lane, forcing motorcyclists to wait until clearance.
Road Safety and Navigation Challenges at Cross-Border Checkpoints
The mishap highlights the navigational challenges that can arise at busy customs checkpoints, where multiple lanes for cars, buses, and motorcycles converge. Drivers unfamiliar with lane markings or signage may mistakenly enter the wrong lane, potentially causing accidents and traffic delays.
While Singapore’s public transport operators have robust safety protocols, incidents like this underscore the need for additional training, clearer road signage, and the use of navigation aids to avoid costly mistakes — especially on high-traffic cross-border routes.
Authorities on both sides of the Causeway are expected to review the circumstances of this incident to ensure similar errors are prevented in future, maintaining safe and efficient travel for thousands of daily commuters.