KULAI: Between RM11mil and RM15mil in allocations will be provided every year to support the operations of the newly launched Southern Shuttle service, says the Transport Ministry.
The move is aimed at encouraging greater use of public transport and easing congestion ahead of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link launch next year.
Minister Anthony Loke said the funding was necessary to bridge the operational shortfall faced by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB), as fare collections alone would not be sufficient to cover the cost of running the service.
“KTMB is unable to absorb additional losses on its own, which is why the ministry will provide between RM11mil and RM15mil a year to operate the service,” he told reporters after launching the Southern Shuttle service at the Kulai KTM station yesterday.
The Southern Shuttle, launched in collaboration with KTMB and the Johor government, currently operates on two routes – Kulai-JB Sentral-Kulai and Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang-Kempas Baru.
Loke said the service was introduced to improve connectivity between residential areas, industrial hubs and Johor Baru city centre, while providing an alternative to private vehicle use.
He said commuters travelling from Kulai to JB Sentral would be able to complete the journey in about 30 minutes, with fares set at RM10.20 per trip.
To encourage ridership, the government is distributing 3,000 Southern Shuttle travel cards worth RM50 each.
He added the current phase would be expanded in the coming months to include Layang-Layang, Renggam and Paloh stations.
He added the government is also procuring 10 new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train sets for the southern region as part of a long-term effort to modernise rail services in Johor.
On the proposed E-ART project, he reiterated the Federal Govern-ment’s support for Johor’s plans, saying the project was currently being evaluated by the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under a public-private partnership model.
Loke said the E-ART system, which would operate on dedicated lanes and elevated guideways, is expected to play an important role in strengthening Johor Baru’s public transport ecosystem and complement efforts to disperse traffic once the RTS Link begins operations.
Meanwhile, both Loke and caretaker Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who was also at the event, stressed on the importance of professionalism and continued collaboration in serving the people.
Onn Hafiz said political differences should not stand in the way of serving the people as he shared the stage with Loke, weeks after heated public exchanges between the two leaders.
The Mentri Besar, who is state Barisan Nasional chairman, said government leaders must remain professional in carrying out their duties despite what he described as an “extraordinary situation” between both of them.
“We must remain professional in carrying out our duties and responsibilities as a government for the wellbeing of the people,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said he had rearranged his schedule to attend the event despite receiving the invitation at short notice.
