KLUANG: The Electric Train Service (ETS) between Johor Baru and Kuala Lumpur will officially begin its operation on Dec 12 next month, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He added that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, will launch the service in Johor Baru on Dec 11, the day before it is available to the public.
“Initially, the ETS trains will primarily connect to Kuala Lumpur, with longer-distance routes, including services to Padang Besar and Butterworth, scheduled in subsequent phases.
“For longer routes, the train can only make two trips a day—one up, one down. Shorter sectors like Johor Baru to Kuala Lumpur allow more frequent trips,” he said.
Loke said this in a press conference after officiating the Kluang Rail Festival held at Mahkota Rail Park here on Saturday (Nov 22).
He added that for those wanting to travel to northern states via the ETS from Johor Baru, they were encouraged to use transit to continue their journey.
On Friday, Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh told the state assembly that the long-awaited Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Rail Project (EDTP) was now 99.94% ready, with full completion expected by the end of this month.
He said the RM8.9bil project, which began physical construction on Dec 1, 2016, covers a 192km stretch across Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Baru.
He added that final works are ongoing before the line becomes fully operational.
"A total of 12 ETS trips will be offered daily under the full service schedule – eight trips on the Kuala Lumpur-Johor Baru route, two on the Johor Baru-Padang Besar route, and two on the Johor Baru-Butterworth route," he said.
