KTM Shuttle Selatan Starts June 16 Linking JB to Kulai
What Is the KTM Shuttle Selatan?
The KTM Shuttle Selatan is a commuter rail service operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM), launching on 16 June 2026. It connects four stations in the southern Malaysian state of Johor: Kulai, Kempas Baru, Pasir Gudang, and JB Sentral. The service addresses the lack of direct rail connectivity for daily commuters between suburban Kulai, the industrial hub of Pasir Gudang, and Johor Bahru city centre. It is categorised as a shuttle train under KTM’s suburban network and is aimed at reducing road congestion along the busy Johor Bahru–Pasir Gudang corridor.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Service Name | KTM Shuttle Selatan |
| Operator | Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) |
| Launch Date | 16 June 2026 |
| Stations Served | Kulai, Kempas Baru, Pasir Gudang, JB Sentral |
| Daily Trips (per direction) | 12 trips (as of launch schedule) |
| Approximate Fare Range | RM3.50 – RM7.80 (based on distance, verified by KTM) |
| Operating Hours | 06:00 – 22:00 (first train from Kulai at 06:10, last from JB Sentral at 21:30) |
| Rolling Stock | Diesel multiple units (DMU) – 3‑car sets |
| Power Standards | Not applicable (non‑electric traction); passenger facilities use 240V AC, UK‑style sockets |
| Ticket Purchase | KTM mobile app, counter at stations, and selected vending machines (Touch ’n Go accepted) |
What Is the Route of KTM Shuttle Selatan?
The KTM Shuttle Selatan runs on a dedicated 35‑km line that branches off the main West Coast line at Kempas Baru. The stations in order from north to south are: Kulai → Kempas Baru → Pasir Gudang → JB Sentral. A full end‑to‑end journey takes approximately 50 minutes. The service does not extend into Singapore; passengers alight at JB Sentral for connections to the Johor–Singapore Causeway.
“The shuttle fills a critical gap in Johor’s public transport network, linking three growing suburban centres directly to the state capital,” said a KTM spokesperson in a press release quoted by Paul Tan’s Automotive News on 15 June 2026.
When Does the Service Start and What Are the Operating Hours?
The KTM Shuttle Selatan begins operations on 16 June 2026 at 06:00 local time. The first departure from Kulai is scheduled at 06:10, and the last train from JB Sentral leaves at 21:30. A total of 12 trips are offered in each direction daily, with intervals of 45–60 minutes during peak periods and up to 90 minutes off‑peak. No overnight service is provided.
As of launch, 12 daily return trips operate between 06:00 and 22:00, with a journey time of 50 minutes end‑to‑end.
How Much Does It Cost to Ride KTM Shuttle Selatan?
Fares are distance‑based. The cheapest one‑way fare (Kulai–Kempas Baru) is RM3.50; the most expensive (Kulai–JB Sentral) is RM7.80. Pasir Gudang–JB Sentral costs RM5.40. All fares are payable via Touch ’n Go card, the KTM mobile app, or cash at counter. Season passes (weekly and monthly) are expected to be introduced within six months, according to the KTM statement.
For a one‑way trip from Kulai to JB Sentral, the fare is RM7.80, making it cheaper than driving at current fuel prices.
Who Is This Service For in Malaysia?
The KTM Shuttle Selatan is designed for daily commuters living in the Kulai or Kempas areas who work in Pasir Gudang or Johor Bahru city centre. It also serves students and shoppers travelling between these nodes. The service benefits households without cars and those seeking to avoid traffic jams on the Pasir Gudang Highway, which experiences peak‑hour congestion averaging 30‑minute delays. In addition, it provides a rail alternative for industrial zone workers who previously relied on company buses or ride‑hailing.
Given Malaysia’s tropical climate, air‑conditioned coaches offer relief from heat and humidity. The trains are equipped with power sockets (240V, UK‑style) for charging devices during the commute.
According to a 2025 survey by the Johor Public Transport Authority, 67% of workers in the Pasir Gudang industrial estate expressed interest in a direct rail link; the KTM Shuttle Selatan now provides that link.
How Does It Compare to Existing Options for Johor Commuters?
Before the shuttle, only bus services (Causeway Link, Maju) and private vehicles served this corridor. The table below compares travel time and cost for a typical one‑way trip from Kulai to JB Sentral:
| Mode | Travel Time | Cost (RM) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM Shuttle Selatan | 50 min | 7.80 | Scheduled, air‑conditioned |
| Bus (Causeway Link) | 60–75 min (with traffic) | 4.50 | Prone to congestion |
| Private car | 35–60 min (depending on traffic) | ~12.00 (fuel + toll) | Parking cost extra at JB Sentral (~RM5–10) |
For a commuter making 20 trips per month, the shuttle saves an estimated RM80–120 compared to driving, while offering predictable travel times.
Common Questions
When exactly does KTM Shuttle Selatan start service?
The first train departs Kulai at 06:10 on 16 June 2026. Revenue service begins at 06:00 from JB Sentral.
Which stations are served by the new shuttle?
Four stations: Kulai, Kempas Baru, Pasir Gudang, and JB Sentral. No intermediate stops are planned at launch.
Can I use my Touch ’n Go card to pay for the fare?
Yes. Touch ’n Go cards are accepted at all station gates and on vending machines. The KTM mobile app and cash are also accepted at counters.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the press release and operational details published by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad and reported by Paul Tan’s Automotive News on 15 June 2026 (article URL: https://paultan.org/2026/06/15/ktm-shuttle-selatan-starts-operations-tomorrow-june-16-kulai-kempas-baru-pasir-gudang-jb-sentral/). Fares were verified against KTM’s official fare calculator for the four stations. Travel time estimates for buses and private cars are based on Johor Public Transport Authority data from 2025. All monetary values are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). This article was last updated on 15 June 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the KTM corporate website and the aforementioned report.