A new commuter service is in the pipeline, as Johor looks to ease the worsening traffic with a passenger train running on a single-track cargo line between Kempas and Pasir Gudang.
State works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the proposed service could ease traffic congestion for residents in Pasir Gudang, Masai, Tampoi and the surrounding areas.
“The 25km route takes only 30 minutes by train, compared with over an hour by car during peak hours.
“We see strong potential in opening passenger services on the Kempas–Pasir Gudang line.
“The track is not fully utilised for cargo right now, so those available windows can be used for commuters,” he said when addressing questions about traffic dispersal solutions at the Johor State Assembly sitting in Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar.
Under the proposal, Mohamad Fazli said the line would operate four round trips daily, with fares expected to be below RM3.
“Some adjustments will need be done at the Pasir Gudang station in order for the proposed commuter line to operate, as it currently only handles freight.
“I have brought this up with the Transport Ministry and they have agreed to conduct a site inspection soon,” he said.
To get the service moving quickly, Mohamad Fazli said the state had proposed three temporary passenger stations to be set up in the next six months at Taman Daya, Bandar Seri Alam and Kampung Pasir Putih.
He added that these would first serve as functional passenger stations, with full upgrades to follow next year through the ministry.
“This is part of our broader effort to disperse traffic and give Johoreans faster, more reliable options.
“Since the existing track is there, we want to make it work for the people,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli said the service would complement the upcoming Komuter Selatan line, scheduled to begin operations in February next year.
“The service is expected to kick off a month after the Electric Train Service starts running on Jan 1 next year.
“Once launched, Komuter Selatan, running 25km from Johor Baru Sentral to Kulai, is expected to cut peak-hour travel time from one hour by car to just 30 minutes by train,” he added.
The Komuter Selatan service would see a total of 32 trips a day, with each train accommodating up to 400 passengers.
“Tickets are also expected to cost under RM3, making it one of the most affordable mass transit options for Johoreans.
“We hope the service will be well received and significantly reduce daily traffic along the corridor,” Mohamad Fazli said, adding that if demand is strong, the state government would request additional trips from the Transport Ministry and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd.
