After nine (9) years of operation and passenger service in the Southern sector, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) announced that the Southern Express train service on the Gemas-JB Sentral-Gemas route will cease operations on 1st January 2026.
Previously known as the Southern Shuttle, this service ran from Gemas to Woodlands, Singapore on trains 61 and 62.
The six (6) Southern Express services currently in operation, namely 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46, will cease operations on the specified date.
This termination is part of the coordination of planning and optimisation of passenger service operations on the southern line, in accordance with the progress and readiness of the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electric Double Track Project infrastructure.
This measure also aims to ensure that more efficient, integrated, and focused passenger travel services continue to be provided.
KTMB also announced that the Southern sector’s passengers’ travel needs will be met through the full operation of the Electric Train Service (ETS) up to JB Sentral, with eight (8) services per day beginning 1st January 2026.
With the completion of this ETS service, passengers can now enjoy a more modern, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly journey, as well as shorter travel times and a safer and more comfortable travel experience.
Meanwhile, the same statement said that the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (ERT) service for the JB Sentral-Tumpat-JB Sentral route will continue to operate as usual and remain the main travel option for passengers from the southern sector to the East Coast.
Additionally, the Timuran Shuttle service is available as an alternative to non-stop travel on the Gemas-Tumpat route.
According to KTMB’s Chief Technical Officer (Acting as Group CEO), Ir. Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin, “KTMB expresses its deepest appreciation to all passengers and loyal users of the Southern Express for their continued support throughout the period of operation of the service.”
“Every journey, memory and nostalgia with the Southern Express will always be etched in the minds of all KTMB employees. We welcome the public to continue to choose and support KTMB services as a safe, comfortable and reliable public transport option.”
KTMB advises all passengers to check the most recent travel schedule via KTMB’s official channels.
Passengers are also encouraged to plan their journeys ahead of time using the official ticket sales platform or contacting the KTMB Call Centre.
For further information, the public can contact the KTMB Call Centre at 03-9779 1200 or visit KTMB’s official social media channels.
