SEREMBAN: The KTM Komuter service to and from Gemas has been stopped since 2016 as only 10 passengers used the service on a daily basis, says Negri Sembilan transport, housing and local government committee chairman J. Arulkumar.
He said it will cost KTM Berhad RM300,000 annually if it were to continue the service to Gemas from Pulau Sebang in Tampin, which was the southernmost stop for the service.
"The service was stopped as the number of commuters boarding and alighting from the train daily at the station was only 10. KTM Bhd then carried out a rationalisation exercise and decided to end the service at Pulau Sebang," he said.
Arulkumar said this when replying to an oral question from Gemas assemblyman Ridzuan Ahmad at the state assembly sitting.
KTMB, he said, was however prepared to work with the state government to review this.
He said this can be considered if the number of passengers using the service to and from Gemas could be increased and if the state government was prepared to share the costs.
"We will discuss this with KTMB. Also, I believe there is a possibility that there will be greater train connectivity once the Gemas-Johor Baru (electrified double-tracking) project is completed," he said.
The project, which as of early September was 92% completed, is due to be completed next year.
Arulkumar said commuters can alternatively use the Electric Train Service (ETS) which stops at the Gemas station.
He said the ETS departs Gemas at 8.05am and 3.20pm and arrives at 2.52pm and 12.10am daily.
