ERL free to set ticket prices, says Loke

KUALA LUMPUR: Tickets prices for trains to KL International Airport can now be freely determined by its operator, Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) under a new concession period agreement with the government, say Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

The Transport Minister said this was a win-win situation between ERL and its users, where the best service can be provided by ERL without the burden of operation costs.

"It also reduces the financial obligation of the government, and I am sure ERL will determine the right prices, something that is acceptable to the market,” said Loke.

He also added that ERL is not planning to increase ticket prices thus far.

Loke announced this during the signing ceremony for a concession period extension between the government and ERL on Tuesday (Jan 23).

The extension of the concession period will be from 2029 to 2059. Previously ERL train fares were regulated by the government.

"The government remains committed to improving alternative services to KLIA that will create healthy competition in terms of competitive fare options," he added.

The new agreement states that the government will no longer pay ERL fees from the revenue of the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) starting from 2029.

Currently, ERL receives from the PSC collections amounting to RM1 for every domestic passenger and RM5 for every international passenger.