Kuala lumpur: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad's (KTMB) Southern Express train service along the Gemas-JB Sentral-Gemas route will be discontinued effective January 1, marking the end of nine years of operation catering to passengers in the southern sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KTMB announced in a statement that the termination involves six currently operating Southern Express services, specifically numbered 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46. This decision is part of a strategic planning realignment and operational optimization of passenger services in the southern alignment, aligning with the progress and infrastructure readiness of the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Tracking Project.
The statement further explained that the move aims to ensure the continuity of a more efficient, integrated service focused on enhancing the passenger travel experience. As part of the new arrangements, KTMB emphasized that the travel needs of passengers in the southern sector will be reinforced with the full operation of the Electric Train Service (ETS) to JB Sentral, which will offer eight services daily starting from January 1.
KTMB highlighted that with the completion of the ETS service, passengers will benefit from a more modern, user-friendly, and environmentally conscious journey, providing efficient travel times and a safer, more comfortable travel experience. Additionally, KTMB clarified that the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (ERT) service for the JB Sentral-Tumpat-JB Sentral route will continue to operate as usual, remaining a primary travel option for passengers traveling from the southern sector to the East Coast.
Meanwhile, passengers seeking an alternative can opt for the Shuttle Timuran service for stop-to-stop journeys on the Gemas-Tumpat route. KTMB Chief Technical Officer and acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin, expressed gratitude to all loyal passengers and users of the Southern Express for their unwavering support throughout its operational period.
Ahmad Nizam emphasized that the memories and journeys shared with the Southern Express will remain cherished by all KTMB staff. He encouraged the public to continue choosing and supporting KTMB services as a safe, comfortable, and reliable public transport option.
KTMB also advised passengers to stay informed about the latest schedules through the company's official channels and to plan their journeys in advance using official ticket sales platforms or by contacting the KTMB Call Centre. For further inquiries, the public can reach the KTMB Call Centre at 03-9779 1200 or follow KTMB's official social media channels for the latest updates.