KLUANG: Malaysian citizens will pay less starting next year when using Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad's (KTMB) Tebrau shuttle service from Woodlands, Singapore, to Johor Baru, as the rate will be set at RM5.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that currently, the price for a one-way ticket from Johor Baru to Woodlands is RM5, while the ticket for the return trip is SGD5 (RM17.39).
KTMB proposed this change to eliminate the difference in fares, he said.
"KTMB proposed to me yesterday the restructuring to assist Malaysians and prevent others from taking advantage.
"We intend to set the fare at RM5 for a one-way trip and RM5 for the return, replacing the current structure of RM5 for a one-way trip and S$5 for the return.
This means that a worker can save at least RM10 a day, or at least RM100 a month if they commute 20 times.
"I welcome the proposal, and I will bring it to the Land Public Transport Agency, and we hope it will be implemented starting early next year," he said at the Johor DAP annual convention today.
However, Loke noted that the implementation will take some time as adjustments to the ticketing system need to be done.
"We plan to implement this, though it will take some time to change the ticketing system. I assure you it will start in mid-January."
Loke said that despite the government's original plan to cease Tebrau shuttle operations after the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System becomes operational in early 2027, within these three years, it would greatly help Malaysians commuting daily.
Meanwhile, he said the implementation of the Light Rail Transit in Johor requires detailed planning and coordination between the state and federal governments.
Loke stated that the implementation of public transportation facilities is also challenging and depends on the country's financial factors.
However, he said, in terms of the implementation of the High-Speed Rail, it is in the planning stage and relies on private funding.