This post is about the defunct Ekspres Selatan service.
From 1 February 2017, the trains serving only the sector between JB Sentral and Gemas are known as Shuttle.
It’s always hard to say goodbye. I rode my last Ekspres Rakyat service from KL Sentral to JB Sentral to depart the electrified double track sector by a locomotive-hauled train for the last time before I embarked on my trip of a lifetime from London to Singapore since the timetable change would take place during my trip, and also supposedly rode my last trip from JB Sentral to Pulau Sebang (Tampin) on the previous post, with me confidently putting the title as “Goodbye Ekspres Selatan“.
Alas, my last goodbye is on the actual last Ekspres Selatan to and from Pulau Sebang (Tampin).
24102 Mat Kilau had the privilege (?) to head the last regular KTM Intercity train in and out of any part of the electrified double track sector main lines.
Since 31 January 2017 was a Malaysian public holiday for Chinese New Year, the crowds at different stations were significantly higher than usual. Yes, this picture taken at Rengam actually shows a crowd, considering there are probably 0 to 2 passengers per train using this station on a usual weekday.
The 40up Ekspres Selatan calls at Kluang Railway Station’s Platform 2 for the last time to await the last crossing with the 27dn Ekspres Rakyat Timuran.
The 27dn Ekspres Rakyat Timuran arriving at Kluang with 4 ASCs attached only, tagged with the coach numbers of T1, T6, T7, and T8, which means 3 coaches of ADNS passengers had been downgraded. However, this was probably a hastily-formed rake to recover the truncated service due to the floods.
Another shot of the 40up Ekspres Selatan at Kluang Platform 2.
Arriving at Chamek, with a different town era to what the former Blue Train coaches are used to.
Passing over the rather full Segamat River, the aftermath of the floods.
Some low-lying lands also remain flooded.
The 40up Ekspres Selatan at Gemas, for the final crew change to take the train to Pulau Sebang (Tampin) and back to JB Sentral.
The 40up Ekspres Selatan crossing over to the up line of the electrified double track sector for the last time. The spur in the middle leads to the East Coast Line and the spur on the right leads to the Gemas yard.
On a right curve after passing by the Gemas bypass.
Looking out to the electrified double track lines from the rear of the train.
Looking back at Batang Melaka, departing from the northbound platform for the last time.
Rock formations on the way to Tampin.
The 40up Ekspres Selatan arriving in Pulau Sebang (Tampin) for the very last time.
The last ever 40up Ekspres Selatan from JB Sentral to Pulau Sebang (Tampin).
The coaches of the last Ekspres Selatan to Pulau Sebang (Tampin).
After the locomotive has run around, the 41dn Ekspres Selatan is now formed.
The final departure of the 41dn Ekspres Selatan from Pulau Sebang (Tampin).
Passing by the godown siding of Tampin.
Approaching the southern crossovers of Pulau Sebang (Tampin).
The 41dn Ekspres Selatan crossing over to the down line of the electrified double track sector for the last time.
A video of the very last 41dn Ekspres Selatan departure from Pulau Sebang (Tampin).
Approaching Batang Melaka for the last time.
Proceeding through a gentle S-curve south of Batang Melaka.
Approaching Gemas from the north for the last time.
The old railway station on the left versus the new station with 8 tracks and 6 platforms.
The crowd of passengers boarding the 41dn Ekspres Selatan at Gemas from the ETS which arrived a few minutes before.
The 41dn Ekspres Selatan after exiting the main line of the electrified double track sector at Gemas in Negeri Sembilan for the last time.
Proceeding on back to JB Sentral at the current end of the electrified double track sector at Gemas in Johor.
Passing by more flooded low lands in Segamat.
Flooded palm plantations in Segamat. With the future Gemas – JB electrified double track sector and the elevated alignment in Segamat, train service disruptions due to floods will hopefully be a thing of the past.
More passengers boarding at Segamat at the end of the Chinese New Year long weekend.
Families sending off their loved ones at Bekok.
The train was full from here on, so not much pictures were shot. Anyway, this section of track will still be served by regular KTM Intercity services.
The final arrival of the 41dn Ekspres Selatan at JB Sentral.
From 1 February 2017, KTM Intercity train services run exclusively on the non-electrified single track sector, with the Shuttle acting as a relay for ETS services plying between JB Sentral and Gemas only. Connections to Woodlands CIQ, Singapore should be ignored as almost all trains do not have a smooth connection to the Shuttle Tebrau.
The only remaining train with an “Express” status is the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran.
Farewell Ekspres Selatan.
This post is about the defunct Ekspres Selatan service.
From 1 February 2017, the trains serving only the sector between JB Sentral and Gemas are known as Shuttle.
KTM Train Ticket Booking Methods
- KTM Intercity counters
- Online from 12Go Asia (joint ticketing with connecting trains available)
- Online from BusOnlineTicket
- Online from Easybook
Online from the KTM E-Ticket System (additional RM2 surcharge)UNSTABLE: Proceed at your own risk.
Tickets are open for sale 30 days before departure.
Hotel Booking
Attractions Booking
How do I book tickets online?
- Click here for a step-by-step guide for 12Go Asia.
- Click here for a step-by-step guide for Easybook.
Click here for a step-by-step guide to the KTM E-Ticket System.UNSTABLE: Proceed at your own risk.
Links to the KTM E-Ticket System are strikethroughed due to KTM’s own admission of the instability of their system here after Prime Minister Najib Razak personally posted on Facebook that there is such an issue here. Proceed using the KTM E-Ticket System at your own risk.