Rail network ready by 2018

06 July 2011 , By New Straits Times

JOHOR Baru will usher in a new era for its public transport system in 2018 when the proposed RM1.23 billion rail transit network is completed.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the rail network, which would cover the entire Iskandar Malaysia area, was being planned by Metropolitan Commuter Network (MCN), a joint venture company between KUB Malaysia and Malaysia Steel Works.

It is currently in the process of getting the green light from the Land Public Transport Commission, the Public Private Partnership Unit and the Federal Government.

The proposal submitted by MCN will see the construction and operation of a rail transit network extending from Johor Baru Sentral to the republic's station in Woodlands, Singapore.

It will, however, not be linked with Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit rail system.

MCN will also use the existing Keretapi Tanah Melayu's infrastructure in Iskandar Malaysia as part of the rail network.

"The project is still at its planning stage. Details such as the train fare are still under review," said Ghani in reply to a question on the matter by state opposition leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau (DAP-Skudai).