ICA may direct MPVs to use bus lanes at Tuas Checkpoint for faster immigration clearance in Singapore

SINGAPORE —In an effort to streamline immigration clearance at Tuas Checkpoint, larger multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) such as the Toyota Alphard and Hyundai Starex may be directed to utilise the bus lanes instead of the car lanes, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Wednesday (3 January).

Passengers riding in these MPVs will need to alight to undergo immigration procedures before re-entering their vehicles to continue their journey. This mirrors the process followed by buses and passenger vans at the checkpoint.

Redirection of large MPVs to enhance car lane clearance

ICA confirmed these ongoing trial efforts in a Facebook post on Wednesday, emphasising that this diversion of larger cars is a move to "enhance clearance efficiency at the car lanes and the overall immigration clearance experience for car travellers".

It added that the decision to redirect large MPVs - which include models such as the Hyundai Starex, Hyundai Staria, Maxus, Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire - stems from observations that these vehicles, capable of carrying up to 16 passengers, operate more akin to mini-vans or buses.

The number of occupants in these vehicles considerably prolongs the clearance process when compared to standard cars, prompting numerous feedback from travellers about delays caused by these MPVs and that ICA should consider segregating them into different lanes.

ICA said in its Facebook post, "Diverting such large MPVs to the bus lanes will speed up immigration clearance for both large MPVs and other cars, thus enhancing the overall experience for all travellers. Smaller MPVs can continue to clear immigration through the car lanes."

ICA's procedural details and future considerations

Elaborating on the procedure, the ICA outlined that passengers in the large MPVs must alight with their luggage and proceed to the bus hall for immigration clearance. Meanwhile, the MPV driver will navigate through the bus lane for their own clearance.

For individuals with mobility challenges, elderly passengers, pregnant women or young children, ICA officers will facilitate on-board immigration clearance via the bus lanes, similar to procedures for bus passengers.

While similar initiatives were contemplated for Woodlands Checkpoint to alleviate traffic congestion, ICA said that operational constraints related to the terrain made it unfeasible at present.

It added, "ICA will continue to study our current processes and explore ways to improve travellers’ experience. We seek travellers’ understanding, patience and cooperation with ICA officers at the checkpoints."

In a statement issued on 19 December 2023, ICA highlighted the immense traffic volume between Singapore and Malaysia, revealing that from 15 to 17 December, 2023, daily crossings reached close to 435,000, surpassing the figures for the same period in 2019 by almost 30,000.

Prior to the Christmas and New Year holidays, the ICA had forewarned of "very heavy traffic" at the land checkpoints until the year's end.

Travellers using cars for immigration clearance were advised of potential wait times of up to three hours.

Diverse opinions surface as ICA's decision resonates on social media

The move to divert MPVs to bus lanes at Tuas Checkpoint saw many opinions raised on social media, with many expressing support for the decision.

Among them, user Chris Chen commended the ICA, stating, "Well done ICA, keep it up! Long-awaited move and hope it will become permanent! Make it a 24-hour thing! Fully support this move!"

Another user named Peace highlighted previous misuse of the bus lane by certain MPV models, stating, "Since this Starex and Vellfire always like to use bus lane to cut queue, now officially they can use it. Good job ICA!!"

However, another user, Su Hsiang, expressed concern about potential traffic implications in Woodlands, 'It is good, is just not sure if those MPVs will divert to Woodlands instead. Then it could cause traffic in Woodlands later on."

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