Commuters in Malaysia have endured a rather spotty history of travel on public transport. From the old privately run companies running buses that they kept going until they could no longer move, to the rather awful $2 (RM2) taxis that operated between Kuala Lumpur and Klang, using mostly ‘clapped out’ old Mercedes, the country has thankfully moved on. Buses have been cleaned up and much more effective systems are in place and they integrate where available, with each other and the rail system, both long distance and the growing commuter network. The latest commuter (Komuter) service opened is the Shuttle Selatan (Southern Shuttle Operation Service) connecting Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) with newly rebuilt stations in Kulai and Kempas Baru, and from Kempas Baru to Pasir Gudang. Total travel time between Johor Bahru and Kempas Baru is 15 minutes, and to Kulai, it’s 38 minutes.
Shuttle Selatan services
The new services started on 16th June 2026, and are showing a slow but steady growth in interest over the first four weeks, particularly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On-going roadshows and promotion through KTMB’s social media are helping to spread the word and we were happy to accept an invitation from KTMB to try out the new services and experience a few of the things visitors can do in and around Kulai. Please note that the Shuttle service will be extended to Paloh from 8th August 2026, with some variations in the timetable.
The South Shuttle service connects residential areas using a hybrid train set city centres and major industrial hubs via the JB Sentral–Kulai Line and the JB Sentral–Pasir Gudang Line. They offer commuters faster, more comfortable and user–friendly travel options and are expected to benefit thousands of users daily, especially workers and students. In addition the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) have completed the first phase of support facilities at the stations, including facilities for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and enhanced safety features. The integration of feeder bus services has also been an important addition, creating a smoother and more efficient mobility ecosystem.
Catching the train
The two new services are designed principally for commuters needing to get to and from their daily jobs/studies. They use hybrid train sets, as the line to Pasir Gudang has not been electrified. The first service is also timed for those wishing to cross the Causeway to Singapore. This will be particularly useful once the new cross-strait Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link opens by early 2027.
Kulai Station
The shuttle train to Kulai runs 5 trips each way daily, giving travellers more flexibility. The morning and afternoon services are timed to connect travellers to and from the Pasir Gudang Shuttle, with the return service in the middle of the day a convenient way for travellers to get to or from JB Sentral and back. You can download a printable (current at time of writing) timetable here, or open the latest Shuttle Selatan timetable (scroll to the bottom left of the screen). There are quite a few activities and places to eat in and around Kulai and we checked out a few of these.
The train we used was a hybrid train, pulled by a diesel locomotive. We understand that this will be an all electric service when more trains are available. The train set used the day we travelled was one sourced from Indonesia and was originally a train for a longer service, equipped with luggage space, footrests and tray tables. The legroom was quite generous. However, the design of the doors means you must be careful entering and exiting the train as there is a step and a gap. You can check out the train and the trip in this handy video (opens in a new tab).
Kulai Station is not really in the centre of town, but the Bus Terminal Kulai, is just over the road. There is a shuttle bus running regularly between the station and the bus Terminal to connect with local services. Otherwise, Grab or one of the other ride share apps will get you where you want to go.
Stesen Kempas Baru
The Kempas Baru Station is the hub station for the Shuttle to Pasir Gudang. It has 6 platforms and during the time we waited for our train, they were well used by the Shuttle between JB Sentral and Kulai and the ETS services.
The Kempas Baru/Pasir Gudang line is definitely for people going to and from work, as there are currently only two return services per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. It’s an express line with the journey taking 40 minutes and connects with the service to JB Sentral at Kempas Baru. We travelled on the afternoon service (8147) leaving Kempas Baru at 6.40pm, arriving in Pasir Gudang at 7.20pm. It’s a small station, still in its original position and setup, surrounded by large factories. This does mean that currently you’ll have to use steps or a ramp to get down to the platform, which is the original height. Mind the gap!
**Please note that these timings may vary as the network expands, but they will still enable easy transfers.
Shortly after we arrived, a pink feeder bus P303 turned up to ferry passengers to the Bus Terminal in Pasir Gudang.
This afternoon service is also useful if you want to get from KL Sentral to Pasir Gudang, as the EP9425 from Padang Besar service stops in Kempas Baru at 5.47pm in good time to catch the 6.40pm shuttle to Pasir Gudang. The 6.30am train from Pasir Gudang will get you to join the EG9442 northbound at 7.43am. You will have to change platforms, but there are lifts and there is plenty of time to do the walk for both transfers.
Fares and Bus connections
Pricing
The latest pricing is at the bottom of the timetable (Click on the ‘New’ to get the latest – the Shuttle Selatan is at the bottom of the page on the left hand side. It opens as a .pdf, which you can save for your reference. The cashless price is light blue, concession fares are royal blue. To encourage travellers, particularly daily commuters, the fare is currently pegged at the concession rate, which seems a reasonable amount to pay for the distance covered and time saved. The service we caught was the JB – Kulai (8.55 – 9.33)service, Train 8016, which gave us plenty of time to explore. **Please note that these timings may change, so check the latest timetable.
Kulai Railway Station is just over the road from the main Bus Terminal. It is walkable, with cover part of the way and there are traffic lights and pedestrian crossings to use to across the busy road. The pink buses (BAS.MY) offer a variety of routes, major hubs, malls including Toppen and AEON, and corridors around Kulai and Kota Tinggi. Fares are reasonable, the payment methods are below the photo. The red and blue buses are free transit buses which are free for MyKad holders. Non card holders may purchase a pass using the My Johor Transport App. The 14-day digital pass will cost you RM20.
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