Larkin Sentral revamp boosting travel, business confidence, say commuters
College student Nur Syafiqa Sulaiman, 23, who travels from Johor Baru to her family home in Pasir Gudang every weekend, said she had noticed significant improvement in punctuality, especially at Larkin Sentral – the main transport terminal.
Nur Syafiqa says nowadays, buses arrive on time at Larkin Sentral.
'Public transportation in Johor has improved a lot lately. The buses I take always arrive on time at Larkin Sentral,' said the information technology diploma student.
Upon reaching the terminal, Nur Syafiqa opts for a taxi instead of e-hailing services.
She is also looking forward to the Electric Train Service (ETS) in Johor Baru.
'The ETS will strengthen public transportation in Johor Baru and make it easier and faster for people, especially students like myself,' she said.
For cross-border travellers like consultant Mohd Ariff Leow Abdullah, 61, improvements in immigration processes have made a difference.
'I cross the Causeway at least once a month for meetings in Singapore.
'Nowadays, there is a lot of improvement in immigration clearance on both sides.'
Mohd Ariff: Improvements in immigration processes have made a tangible difference.
Mohd Ariff prefers taking Singapore-bound taxis from Larkin Sentral as they allowed him flexibility and comfort.
'I prefer taking the cross-border taxi because I don't need to rush to catch a bus.
'I can travel at my own pace, and that really matters for business trips.'
He is especially optimistic about the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, expected to be operational by end-2026 or early 2027 – connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru with Woodlands North in Singapore.
'With RTS coming soon, travelling will become even more seamless.
'It will be a game changer for regular commuters,' he added.
Natasha: State initiative to upgrade the facility is long overdue.
Long-time business operator Natasha Juan, 45, who runs a hair salon at Larkin Sentral, said the upgrading project was long overdue.
'I have been here almost 30 years. Larkin Sentral is not just a transport hub – it is also an economic centre.
'There is a wet market, shops and services. People don't just catch buses here, they come to shop and run errands,' she pointed out.
Juan hopes the RM2.5mil upgrading project will attract more visitors and help boost businesses.
'Once upgrading works are completed, especially for the toilets, I believe more people will feel comfortable coming here.
'It will help businesses like mine,' she added.
Meanwhile, Dr R. Daya Para Rao, 63, a Klang Valley resident who visited Johor Baru for a meeting, had his first experience using Larkin Sentral when boarding a bus home.
'I was pleasantly surprised. It was very systematic, and the staff were helpful.
'As a senior citizen, I appreciate that things are well-organised and not confusing.'
He said transportation projects like RTS and ETS would further complement Johor's growth as a modern and investor-friendly city.
'The Johor government is clearly serious about upgrading public transport.
'That is very important for everyone,' he said.
Dr Daya Para Rao said that as Johor's economy expanded, seamless transport was crucial for supporting mobility and daily life.
He said, 'Johor Baru is growing rapidly in terms of economic development, and this will attract more people to live and work here.
'With good public transport, Johor's vision of becoming a developed state can be a reality.' — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
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