KTM should immediately make a public announcement on shuttle train service between JB and Woodlands, while keeping the train fare at a rational price.

Media Statement by Johor DAP Policy Director and Senai State Assemblyperson Wong Shu Qi on 2nd December 2014 (Tuesday):

KTM should immediately make a public announcement on shuttle train service between JB and Woodlands, while keeping the train fare at a rational price.

It’s very disappointing that KTM gave false hope to all Malaysians commuting daily between the city-state and Johor Bahru, that supposedly a shuttle train service will be provided hourly beginning 1st December 2014.

KTM has quietly taken down the notice from its website without providing explanation to the public. It is very unprofessional and irresponsible for a seasoned transportation service company.

According to the written reply given to me by EXCO YB Dato Ir. Hasni bin Mohammad on November 16th, there is no extra trip for the train service between Johor Bahru and Woodlands due to lack of locomotive and passenger coach.

Nevertheless, the quiet announcement made by KTM just a week before December 1 on the 13 round trips between the two cities was a nice surprise and was lauded by the public.

Yet, it is now proven to be merely a false hope given to the public. According to Nanyang Siang Pau in an exclusive interview with a senior management personnel of KTM, the service is put on hold due to unsettled fare and other issues.

First, a clear timetable for the rolling out of hourly shuttle train service between Johor Bahru and Woodlands is needed. KTM and the Minister of Transport should act as quickly as possible to address the critical need for the service.

Besides that, the fare of the shuttle train service should be at a rational price that can be afforded by most working class Malaysians. Hence, the earlier price given by KTM in replying netizen’s enquiry is deemed too expensive. It costs RM 5 for a 5-minute single trip that is even more expensive than any KL LRT or Komuter service.

I call upon Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, the Minister of Transport, to step in as soon as possible to make sure the service is ready by January of 2015. At the same time, he must assure that the price is affordable and rational.

Wong Shu Qi