KTM Komuter Southern Sector

The KTM Komuter Southern Sector, officially branded as the Southern Shuttle (Malay: Shuttle Selatan)^[1][2] is a commuter rail service operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) in the state of Johor in southern Peninsular Malaysia. The service operates primarily between Kulai and JB Sentral, providing passenger rail connectivity within the Johor Bahru metropolitan area.^[3] It is the third KTM Komuter network in Peninsular Malaysia after the Central Sector in the Klang Valley and the Northern Sector in the northern states.

The service was officially launched on 16 June 2026 and primarily serves daily commuters within the Johor Bahru Conurbation, specifically the cities of Johor Bahru and Pasir Gudang, as well as the town of Kulai. The service was introduced in anticipation of the launch of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System.

The Southern Shuttle brand was originally used for an interim shuttle service from Seremban to Gemas following the completion of electrification and double-tracking works on that specific stretch. This initial shuttle operation was terminated on 11 July 2016 when it was fully absorbed into the extended Batu Caves-Pulau Sebang Line.

On 14 March 2024, it was announced that the Southern Sector line would be reintroduced as a commuter service from Gemas to Paloh, and Paloh to JB Sentral, after the lines were electrified and double-tracked.^[4] Before this, passenger services on the Gemas–Johor Bahru Sentral (JB Sentral) corridor of the West Coast Line were primarily operated using diesel-hauled trains.^[5][6] Upon the completion of the electrification project, KTM ETS service was extended to JB Sentral.

Between October 2023 and May 2024, the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang freight line received upgrades, including the replacement of its tracks and signalling system. The upgrades led to reduced train derailment and increased maximum speed from 30 km/h (19 mph) to 80 km/h (50 mph).^[7] On 22 July 2025, KTM announced plans to introduce passenger service on the line to serve the higher passenger traffic expected from the upcoming Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link).^[7] Later that year on 11 December, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the introduction of commuter services on the Kulai–JB Sentral line, complementing the existing KTM ETS service.^[8] Trial run for passenger service on the Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang route began by March 2026, measuring a total travel time of 35 to 40 minutes.^[9]

On 13 June 2026, KTM formally announced the opening of the Southern Shuttle, which would launch on 16 June. Transport Minister Anthony Loke was set to inaugurate the launching event together with the then caretaker Menteri Besar of Johor Onn Hafiz Ghazi.^[10][11]

The Southern Shuttle operates along the West Coast Line in southern Peninsular Malaysia, and currently consists of two routes:

•  1  Kulai–JB Sentral Line
•  2  Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang Line

Both lines intersect at Kempas Baru station. Train services operate with multiple daily departures. All services stop at each station along the routes. All stations (except Pasir Gudang) provide connections to both KTM's long-distance inter-city rail services, namely the KTM ETS and KTM Intercity.

Spanning approximately 32.2 kilometres, the line runs from Kulai to JB Sentral with an intermediate stop at Kempas Baru. This route runs along the main electrified line of the West Coast Line. At JB Sentral, passengers are able to connect to KTM Intercity's Shuttle Tebrau service to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore.

This line serves to connect the city of Pasir Gudang in the southeast of the Johor Bahru District with the West Coast Line. It runs on the 40-kilometre Pasir Gudang branch line from Kempas Baru station to Pasir Gudang station. Before the launch of the Southern Shuttle service, the Pasir Gudang branch was solely used for freight trains that served the Johor Port, and it was the first time passenger rail services were introduced to this line. Unlike the main West Coast Line, the Pasir Gudang branch line is single-tracked and not electrified. Passengers from Pasir Gudang can continue their journey towards the north on the West Coast Line via KTM ETS or to the East Coast Line via KTM Intercity at Kempas Baru station.

⇄ = cross-platform interchange
⇅ = connecting station

The following table summarises the operating pattern of services on the KTM Komuter Southern Sector, including service frequency, approximate journey time and key operational characteristics for each line.

KTM Komuter Southern Sector uses a distance-based fare system similar to other KTM Komuter services, where fares are determined based on the number of stations travelled. Tickets are available through station ticket counters and automated ticket vending machines. Stored-value and reusable ticketing options may also be used, subject to KTM fare policies.

As with other KTM Komuter networks, ticketing facilities and fare integration may be updated over time in line with broader developments in Malaysia’s public transport system.

In March 2024, Loke indicated that the proposed southern commuter service would follow the Gemas–Paloh–Johor Bahru corridor upon completion of the Gemas–Johor Bahru electrification and double-tracking project, with additional stations envisaged along the route.^[16]

In January 2026, three sites were proposed for the Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang Line's intermediate stations at Taman Daya, Bandar Seri Alam and Kampung Pasir Putih.^[17][18][19] In February, the government confirmed that the service would be implemented in phases, with the Kulai–JB Sentral Line forming the initial stage, while subsequent expansion would prioritise higher-density areas along the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang Line.^[20]

Upon the opening of the Kulai–JB Sentral Line, Loke mentioned plans to extend the line northwards to Paloh, which will also serve Kluang, Renggam and Layang-Layang. The extension is expected to begin operation by 2029.^[21][22]

At the time of launch, services operate using existing KTM rolling stock configured in both hauled and hybrid formations. On the Kulai–JB Sentral Line, trains are operated using locomotive-hauled coaches adapted for commuter service, similar to those use for KTM Intercity's Ekspres Rakyat Timuran service. On the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang Line, services utilise hybrid train formations comprising locomotive-hauled coaches integrated with the KTM Class 83 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) carriages adapted for operation without continuous overhead electrification. These formations utilise onboard power generation to support train systems during operation on the route.^[23]

The use of such interim rolling stock reflects the transitional nature of operations during the initial phase of implementation. Operational characteristics of the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang Line, including infrastructure configuration, contribute to a limited service frequency during this stage.

To support the transition towards a fully electrified and higher-capacity commuter operation, the Malaysian government has approved the procurement of 10 new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trainsets for the KTM Komuter Southern Sector at an estimated cost exceeding RM200 million. The new trainsets are expected to be delivered within two to three years and are intended to support future capacity enhancements and service improvements.^[24][25]

The main Kulai–JB Sentral corridor is fully electrified, while the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang branch line utilises an existing single-track non-electrified railway previously used for freight services.^[26][27]

During the initial phase of operations, services are operated using existing KTM rolling stock, with future operations expected to incorporate electric commuter trainsets following the full deployment of electrified infrastructure.^[28]

• KTM Komuter
  • Batu Caves–Pulau Sebang Line
  • Tanjung Malim–Port Klang Line
  • KL Sentral–Terminal Skypark Line
  • KTM Komuter Northern Sector
• Railway electrification in Malaysia
• Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System