JOHOR BARU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - More travellers are now opting for public transport to commute between Singapore and Malaysia following the newly-implemented toll rates at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.

Lim Han Weng, managing director of Handal Indah Sdn Bhd, which is the operator of Causeway Link bus services, said the number of those travelling by bus into Singapore had increased by between 10 and 20 per cent.

"Since the new toll rates started on Aug 1, we have noticed more passengers queuing for buses and there is less traffic congestion on the causeway," he said on Wednesday.

He assured commuters not to worry about the availability of buses as there were 150 buses at the company's disposal with each making four to five trips daily.

"If necessary, we will look into increasing the number of trips to meet demand," he said.

He said the company would not raise the fare indiscriminately, as the current fare collections would be able to cover its daily cost, including the new toll rates of RM13.40 (S$5.20).

"The hike incurs an additional cost of about RM100,000 per month and this does not include the possible toll hikes by the Singaporean government," he said.

Johor Baru to Singapore taxi Owners' Welfare Association chairman A. Wahab Hashim said although taxi fares had yet to be increased, the number of those taking taxis to work in Singapore had reduced dramatically as well.

"No doubt, our cost has almost doubled and this has affected our income. But travellers should not be worried about higher fares for now," he said.