KTMB expands Southern Shuttle rail service to Paloh starting Aug 8…

Photo courtesy of The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is extending its Southern Shuttle rail service to cover the Paloh–JB Sentral route effective Aug 8.

The expansion introduces a direct rail link traversing central Johor, connecting seven stations: Paloh, Kluang, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, Kempas Baru, and JB Sentral. The full journey from Paloh to JB Sentral would take approximately 120 minutes.

Implemented less than three months after the service's initial launch on June 16, the route utilises part of the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Project (PLBEGJB) alignment.

"The extension is a strategic initiative by the Transport Ministry to provide a direct rail link between suburban areas and the key economic hubs of Kulai and JB Sentral," KTMB said in a statement on Monday (Aug 3).

Covering the districts of Kluang, Kulai, Pasir Gudang, and Johor Bahru, the service has the potential to benefit roughly 2.5 million residents. Since its debut, which initially covered the Kulai–JB Sentral and Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang routes, the service has recorded 3,209 passengers.

The upgraded service will run 10 trips daily, five northbound and five southbound, with each train accommodating up to 400 passengers.

To cater to early-morning daily commuters and workers heading into Singapore, the earliest train from Paloh departs at 3.55am, arriving at JB Sentral by 5.52am. The final train leaves JB Sentral at 8.30pm, arriving in Paloh at 10.27pm.

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Train schedules are integrated at Kempas Baru station, allowing transfers to the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang route and linking central Johor to the Pasir Gudang industrial zone.

In conjunction with the extension, KTMB is offering promotional fares until new electric trains are delivered.

A one-way fare between Paloh and JB Sentral would cost RM7.70, down from the standard RM15.30 rate. Destination-specific pricing applies for shorter legs.

Additionally, the Southern Shuttle Madani Commuter Card would be valid along the expanded route until Sept 16, 2026.

The MyRailLife Pass would also be extended for the Southern Shuttle from Aug 8 until Dec 31, 2026, offering free travel to children aged 4–6, primary/secondary students, and persons with disabilities (OKU).

Commuters are advised to plan their journeys using the KITS Style mobile app, visiting www.ktmb.com.my, or checking KTMB’s official social media channels.

4 August 2026