More train services to Singapore in the pipeline, says Malaysia transport minister

Malaysia's Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said they were now looking at the possibility of increasing the number of train trips between the two countries from seven daily currently to 26. -- PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 
Malaysia's Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said they were now looking at the possibility of increasing the number of train trips between the two countries from seven daily currently to 26. -- PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 
The first day of operations at the new Woodlands Train Checkpoint (WTCP) on July 1, 2011 went smoothly. Traffic congestion along the Causeway could be a thing of the past as both Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to increase the number of train trips between the two countries. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

PONTIAN (The Star/Asia News Network) - Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to increase the number of train trips between the two countries to help ease traffic congestion along the Causeway.

Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said they were now looking at the possibility of increasing the trips from seven daily currently to 26.

The matter was raised during the Malaysia-Singapore joint ministerial meeting held in Putrajaya recently, he added.

"Both governments are looking into easing the travelling time between Malaysia and Singapore, particularly along the Causeway.

"I am very happy that Singapore has accepted our proposal to increase the number of trips.

"In a way, this will help cut travelling time, ease congestion as well as lift the financial burden of those frequently commuting between both countries due to the toll rate," he said at a Pontian MCA dinner here on Friday.

Johor Tourism, Trade and Consumers Affairs committee chairman Tee Siew Kiong described the announcement as good news for the public.

"The state government believes that the number of those travelling by trains will increase.

"Currently, about 320 people travel from the Woodlands checkpoint to JB Sentral using the train service provided by KTM Berhad daily," he said.

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