KUALA LUMPUR: Those wishing to reach the northern part of the peninsula by train after landing at KLIA may now consider making the entire journey using rail following a tie-up between KTM Bhd, which operates the Electric Train Service (ETS), and Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd, which operates the Express Rail Link (ERL).
The two operators launched an integrated ticketing system yesterday to provide passengers with a more seamless rail travel option.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said through the latest initiative of the two railway operators, a passenger needs to buy only one single ticket to enjoy two separate trips operated across the ERL and KTMB networks.
“It will not only facilitate travellers’ journey but also save time and cost while further enhancing the public transport system’s efficiency,” he told Bernama after launching the integrated ticketing system at KL Sentral yesterday.
Also present were KTMB chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin and ERL chief executive officer Noormah Mohd Noor.
The integrated ticket went on sale at five KTMB stations, namely Alor Setar and Sungai Petani in Kedah, Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam in Penang, and Ipoh via KTMB’s Integrated Ticketing System as well as the ERL website since July 19.
Hasbi did not rule out the possibility of adding more KTMB stations in the southern areas such as Gemas in Negri Sembilan and Pulau Sebang in Melaka, along with Segamat and Johor Baru to encourage people to view rail as a feasible public transport option.
Meanwhile, Mohd Rani Hisham expects the sale of integrated tickets to double this month.
“The total number given in August is 1,327 and we expect the number to double in September.
“Hopefully with this official launching, ticket sales will soar. The collaboration is a win-win situation for both railway operators,” he said.
In this regard, Noormah said ERL intends to explore the possibility of integrating the entire KTMB ticket booking system with the ERL ecosystem.
“Loyal customers of KTMB can now continue to plan their journey to KLIA Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 through the KLIA Ekspres service for domestic or international flights,” she said.
