How many passengers used the Southern Express since 2016?

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2.6 Million Passengers Used the Southern Express Since 2016

The Southern Express (ES) train service, which is set to be terminated on January 1, has facilitated the daily movements of residents in southern Johor and the Iskandar region, recording a total of 2.6 million passengers since its introduction in 2016. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) chief operating officer Afzar Zakariya noted that the service has been well-received, with an average of 800 to 1,000 passengers utilizing the six daily services. This consistent and affordable mobility access has been particularly significant for students, daily wage workers, senior citizens, and families who depend on the train as their primary mode of transportation.
Connectivity and Economic Impact

The ES train service has been instrumental in connecting major and medium-sized towns along the southern route, including Segamat, Kluang, Labis, Kulai, and Johor Bahru. Beyond its role in facilitating personal travel, the service has indirectly contributed to economic development along the southern line by supporting work-related, economic, and tourism movements. This increased passenger traffic has, in turn, stimulated economic and tourism activities in the affected cities, leading to a rise in demand within the hospitality sector, public transport, and small businesses, as well as fostering the growth of new tourism destinations and activities.
Alternative to Road Travel

Operating for nine years on the Gemas - JB Sentral - Gemas route, the ES train service has offered a vital alternative to road travel, thereby helping to ease traffic congestion on main highways connecting to and from Johor Bahru. It provided a comfortable, fast, and reliable travel option for commuters travelling between Johor Bahru, Kluang, Segamat, and other parts of the central Peninsula, reducing dependence on highway traffic for residents in Johor Bahru and the Iskandar region. This made it a crucial component in the transportation network for the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia.
Transition to Extended ETS Services

The termination of the Southern Express is part of KTMB's coordination and optimisation of passenger service operations on the southern line, aligning with the progress of the Gemas - Johor Bahru Electric Double Track Project. To ensure a seamless transition for passengers, KTMB has coordinated existing service schedules with the implementation of an extended ETS service from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru. This extension, which commenced this month, will see 12 ETS services operating to and from Johor, including routes to Butterworth and Padang Besar, aiming to maintain service continuity and facilitate travel across the Peninsula for local residents and tourists.

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How many passengers used the Southern Express since 2016?

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