KTM ETS Adds 4 More Weekend KL-JB Services
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) has announced four extra Electric Train Service (ETS) trips between KL Sentral and JB Sentral for every weekend until December 27. This is a direct response to rising passenger demand for rail travel in Malaysia's southern region. The additional services, operated by KTM Berhad (KTMB), bring the total weekend frequency on this route to 12 trips, a strategic move to enhance public transport capacity and support the "Road to Rail" aspiration.
KTM ETS is Malaysia's intercity electric train service, operated by the national rail operator, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad. It provides a comfortable, air-conditioned alternative to driving on the often congested North-South Expressway, particularly for weekend travellers between the Klang Valley and Johor Bahru. For residents and visitors in Malaysia, the ETS solves the problem of unpredictable highway traffic and limited parking in urban centres.
Key Facts: KTM ETS Additional KL Sentral-JB Sentral Weekend Services
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Service Provider | Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) |
| Route | KL Sentral - JB Sentral - KL Sentral |
| Additional Services per Weekend | 4 (on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) |
| Duration of Additional Services | Until December 27 |
| Operating Days | 50 days |
| Additional Seats Offered | 63,200 |
| Total Weekly Services (with existing) | 12 |
| Total Capacity Provided | 189,600 seats |
| Ticket Sales Commencement | September 7 |
| Related Additional EMUPlus Services | 8 additional services from September 25 to 27 (Bandar Tasek Selatan-Ipoh-Klang) |
| EMUPlus Route Capacity | 2,448 seats |
When Do the Additional KTM ETS Services Operate?
The four added services run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, operating over a 50-day period until December 27. KTM stated this schedule is designed to meet increased weekend demand. The total capacity for this route is now 189,600 seats, an increase that allows for more spontaneous travel plans.
The additional ETS services will operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays over 50 days, offering a further 63,200 seats.
How Many Additional ETS Services Are Running on the KL-JB Route?
KTM has added four more ETS services per weekend to the KL Sentral-JB Sentral-KL Sentral route. This brings the total number of ETS services on this corridor to 12, up from the eight existing services. The boost is intended to cater to the growing number of passengers using the rail service in the southern region, as per KTM's official statement.
This brings the total to 12 ETS services for the KL Sentral-JB Sentral-KL Sentral route, including the eight existing services.
How to Book Tickets for the Extra Weekend ETS Trains?
Tickets for the additional services went on sale on September 7. KTM encourages early booking, noting that sales had already reached 46 per cent of the offered capacity shortly after opening. Passengers can book through official KTMB channels, including the KITS (KTM Integrated Ticketing System) online portal.
"Ticket sales for the four additional ETS services have reached 46 per cent of the offered capacity as of today. KTMB encourages passengers to book early, especially for weekend travel."
— KTM official statement
Ticket sales for the four additional ETS services have reached 46 per cent of the offered capacity as of today.
What Other Rail Services Were Added in the Same Period?
In addition to the ETS services, KTM is also providing eight additional EMUPlus services from September 25 to 27. These services run on the Bandar Tasek Selatan-Ipoh-Klang and Klang-Ipoh-Bandar Tasek Selatan routes. The EMUPlus service offers 2,448 seats for this route, providing another option for passengers in the Klang Valley and Ipoh to travel, with ticket sales having commenced on September 22.
The EMUPlus service offers 2,448 seats for the Bandar Tasek Selatan-Ipoh-Klang and Klang-Ipoh-Bandar Tasek Selatan routes.
Who Is This Service Increase For in Malaysia?
This increased frequency is designed for the high volume of leisure and business travellers moving between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru on weekends. It addresses a key Malaysian travel pain point: the heavy traffic congestion on highways. For families and individuals who prefer the convenience of rail travel to driving, this provides a reliable alternative to the road network.
The additional ETS and EMUPlus services were part of efforts to increase capacity and to offer more public transport options as demand for weekend travel increases, in line with its Road to Rail aspiration.
Common Questions
Does this KTM ETS announcement affect travel between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru?
Yes, the announcement directly affects the KL Sentral to JB Sentral route. There are now four extra weekend services, bringing the total to 12 services, offering a total of 189,600 seats. This provides more options and greater capacity for passengers travelling this route until December 27.
Is the extra train service available every day of the week?
No, the four additional services are only available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a total of 50 days until December 27. This is in response to increased passenger demand for weekend travel, not for weekdays.
Why is KTM adding these extra train services?
KTM is adding these services due to growing passenger demand for rail service in the southern region. The move is part of KTM's "Road to Rail" aspiration to increase capacity and offer more public transport options, especially as demand for weekend travel increases.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a single primary source: the official announcement published by Paul Tan's Automotive News on September 25, 2026. All statistics, quotes, and service details are derived directly from that source material. No figures have been aggregated or estimated. Currency conversions are not applicable as all operational details are in local context. This article was last updated on the current date. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the provided source.