KTMB launches cashless payment mode for KTM Komuter trains

Photo: Ronnie Chin/The Star

IPOH: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has launched its pioneer cashless payment mode for KTM Komuter trains.

Known as the open payment system, commuters could use their debit cards, credit cards, or ewallet to pay at the automated control gates.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said he encouraged digitisation for efficient services to the people.

“The system has been in place for about three months already, but the launching was done today.

“This is because there are bound to be hiccups at the launch of any new system introduced, and thus, I wanted all the technical issues to be sorted first before the launch,” he told reporters after launching the system in front of the Ipoh Railway Station here on Thursday (Feb 8)

Loke said the automated gate must open within one second once a passenger scans using the necessary cards or ewallet.

“If it takes more than five seconds, where sometimes the banks need to verify the card, then there will be a queue. So these are some of the issues that must be settled,” he added.

He said people no longer need to queue to purchase tickets or tokens; they only need to scan at the automated gates to access the respective platforms.

“However, this method is only for the Komuter trains, and it does not include the Electric Train Services (ETS) because these trains have allocated seats for a limited number of passengers only.

“I hope such a cashless payment system would also be adopted for other public transport systems. Prasarana is taking steps to implement such a system,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Loke said it would be good if KTMB could provide the Express ETS trains on normal days instead of just during festive periods.

When asked to elaborate, Loke said the Express train takes two hours to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh. Due to the double-tracking upgrade in Klang Valley, the express train's frequency is restrained.

“However, I will discuss the matter with KTMB, as the upgrading works are expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter, and we will look into ways to improve efficiency and frequency,” he added.