SEREMBAN: The KTM Komuter service to and from Gemas has been discontinued since 2016 due to the extremely low number of daily passengers, according to J. Arulkumar, the chairman of Negri Sembilan transport, housing, and local government committee. He stated that it would cost KTM Berhad RM300,000 annually to continue the service from Pulau Sebang in Tampin, which was the southernmost stop for the service. The decision to halt the service was made after an assessment of the ridership, as only ten commuters were boarding and alighting at the Gemas station on a daily basis. Furthermore, KTM Bhd conducted a rationalization exercise and concluded that terminating the service at Pulau Sebang was the most feasible course of action.
In response to an oral question raised by Gemas assemblyman Ridzuan Ahmad during the state assembly sitting, Arulkumar expressed that KTMB was open to collaborating with the state government in order to reassess the situation. He suggested that if the number of passengers utilizing the service to and from Gemas could be increased and if the state government was willing to shoulder a portion of the costs, then the matter could be considered. Arulkumar added that discussions with KTMB were forthcoming. Additionally, he mentioned that the completion of the Gemas-Johor Baru (electrified double-tracking) project could potentially bring about an improved train connectivity.
As of early September, the project had reached 92% completion and is scheduled to conclude next year. Arulkumar recommended that commuters take advantage of the Electric Train Service (ETS) as a substitute option, as it does stop at the Gemas station. The ETS departs Gemas twice a day at 8:05am and 3:20pm, arriving at its respective destinations at 2:52pm and 12:10am on a daily basis.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
