KTMB extends Southern Shuttle to Paloh starting Aug 8
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has announced that it will extend the Southern Shuttle rail service on the Paloh-JB Sentral-Paloh route starting August 8. The rail operator stated in its announcement that the extension will cover seven stations, including Paloh, Kluang, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, Kempas Baru, and JB Sentral. According to KTMB, the journey from Paloh to JB Sentral is expected to take approximately 120 minutes.
The expanded service will operate 10 times a day, consisting of five trips from Paloh to JB Sentral and five trips in the reverse direction. Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers. The first train of the day on this route will depart Paloh at 3:55am, arriving at JB Sentral at 5:52am. Conversely, the last train will leave JB Sentral at 8:30pm and reach Paloh by 10:27pm.
KTMB noted that the early morning and evening schedules are designed to support daily commuters, including workers continuing their journey to Singapore via the Johor Bahru border crossing. The rail operator stated that connecting services will be available at Kempas Baru station, allowing passengers to transfer to the Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang-Kempas Baru route. This connection aids connectivity between the Paloh-Kluang-Kulai-Johor Bahru corridor and the Pasir Gudang industrial area.
Fares for the Southern Shuttle remain at the promotional rate of RM7.70 for a one-way trip from Paloh to JB Sentral, a reduction from the previous fare of RM15.30. This rate will stay in effect until the new electric trains are delivered. The MyRailLife Pass has also been extended to cover the Southern Shuttle service from August 8 to 31. Under this extension, children aged four to six, school-aged students from Standard One to Form Six, and persons with disabilities will travel free of charge, subject to terms and conditions.
KTMB described the service extension as a strategic initiative by the transport ministry to provide a direct rail link between suburban areas and key economic hubs. The rail operator stated that the expansion, implemented less than three months after the initial phase, will traverse the central Johor corridor by utilising part of the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Project (PLBEGJB) alignment. This initiative reflects the Government’s and KTMB’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public mobility through wider access to rail services.
The Southern Shuttle service has recorded 3,209 passengers on its two initial routes. The expansion of the service is expected to support workforce mobility, economic activities, and the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). By improving rail connectivity, the service aims to help reduce reliance on private vehicles for travel within the region. Kempas Baru station serves as a vital transfer point for these passengers.
