Long-distance passenger trains operated by KTM from Butterworth, Kuala Lumpur and Gemas no longer cross the causeway to reach the international transfer station at Woodlands in northern Singapore.
In their place a commuter shuttle service of seven round trips a day, with a 5-minute journey time, has been introduced which only operate during the morning and evening peak periods. Consequently the shuttle trains do not connect with the long-distance services.
"The purpose of this shuttle service is mainly to provide a transport solution for commuters who are currently travelling daily from Johor, Malaysia, to Singapore," says KTM. "It is also an effort to reduce the massive road congestion especially during the peak hours on the Johor Causeway."
IRJ comment: With departures from Johor at 05.30, 07.00 and 08.30 in the morning, and then at 16.00, 17.30, 19.00 and 22.00, and a similar pattern northbound, it will be interesting to see how effective the service will be in reducing road congestion. A more frequent service, operating throughout the day would clearly be more effective and provide connections with long-distance services.
