The Johor Public Transport Corporation (PAJ) and the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) team started a “dry run” test of the Southern Commuter service on the Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang route. Ir. Ts. Mohamad Fazli bin Mohamad Salleh, Chairman of the Johor State Committee for Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications, as well as PAJ CEO Mohd Fa’iz Salehon were present.
The purpose of this test, according to PAJ, was to assess the actual trip time and gauge the service’s viability as a competitive substitute for private vehicles. The test’s findings demonstrated that it only took roughly 35 to 40 minutes to get from Kempas Baru to Pasir Gudang Station, which is said to be a competitive and more reliable time than driving, which frequently encounters traffic, particularly during rush hours.
According to the firm, the Southern Commuter service is anticipated to start operating this year and will develop into a strategic mobility alternative for Johor residents, particularly industrial sector workers in Pasir Gudang and those traveling to Johor Bahru.
The provision of this Southern Commuter service is also one of the main modes in the traffic management strategy undertaken by the Johor State government, where it is designed with integration with the existing public bus network as well as park and ride facilities at selected stations to ensure smoother and more comprehensive journey continuity.
Additionally, PAJ said that this initiative supports the development of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and is in line with the State Government’s agenda to strengthen the public transportation network in Greater Johor Bahru and Pasir Gudang. It is hoped that this will lessen reliance on private vehicles, thereby contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, and efficient mobility system for the State of Johor.
Last December, Fazli brought up the idea of creating this Southern Commuter in order to maximise the utilisation of the single track that is already in operation but is solely utilised for cargo transportation. Additionally, he said that this initiative is anticipated to lessen traffic issues in Pasir Gudang, Masai, Tampoi, and surrounding areas and has proposed temporary passenger stations at Taman Daya, Bandar Seri Alam, and Kampung Pasir Putih, while the proposed fare is around RM3 one way.
