PETALING JAYA: Rising ticket prices for various modes of transport are leading many to scrutinise their travel plans for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, with some doing their best to avoid surge pricing or peak travel period surcharges.
Those who could juggle their schedules are travelling earlier or exploring alternatives to beat the system and the crowd.
Nur Aqilah Sakeh, a 25-year-old brand executive travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Pahat, Johor, believes that leaving a week before Hari Raya is the best strategy to secure tickets and avoid the holiday crowds.
“I prefer taking the bus instead of the KTM Electric Train Service (ETS) because it is faster. Furthermore, the main route to the southern region is primarily served by buses,” she said, noting that ticket prices vary depending on the company and route.
She said direct routes without multiple stops tended to be more expensive, whereas buses with numerous stops generally offered cheaper fares.
“Compared to previous years, ticket prices have increased due to rising diesel costs, toll charges, route variations and onboard facilities,” she added.
For administrative assistant Nur Fazlina Kamarudin, 29, celebrating Hari Raya in Jitra, Kedah, is a tradition she eagerly anticipates. However, securing tickets has become increasingly challenging, prompting her to plan months in advance.
“If it’s a major celebration like Hari Raya, I buy my ETS tickets three to four months in advance because they always sell out,” she said, adding that the train is always her preferred choice.
“It saves time, avoids traffic jams and has food kiosks, prayer facilities and onboard toilets.
“If I plan to take the bus, I usually book two to three weeks ahead, but sometimes you can still get a ticket a day before, depending on availability.
“But I only take the bus if train tickets are sold out. Plus, buses are slightly cheaper and have more seats available,” said Nur Fazlina, who noted that public transport fares have risen significantly in recent years.
“In 2023, a bus ticket from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur to Jitra cost RM50 to RM60 during the festive season. Now, it can be more than RM80. ETS fares, which used to be around RM60, have increased to between RM70 and RM100. At this point, it might even be cheaper to take a flight,” she added.
For business development manager Nur Nilam Nabilah Nor Asri, booking early is crucial as she will be travelling to Kuantan for Hari Raya on March 27.
“I usually buy my ticket a month before Hari Raya to avoid disappointment,” said the 26-year-old, who relies entirely on buses as Kuantan does not have a train service.
In this regard, she is looking forward to the completion of the East Coast Rail Link project, which will pass through Kuantan.
“When I was younger, my mother and I would take the bus from Kuantan to Kuala Lumpur for about RM17. Now, the price has increased to RM22.
“Normally, a one-way ticket costs RM22 but during Hari Raya, it rises to RM25 or RM26. The price is still reasonable, but a reduction would definitely help ease the financial burden,” she said.
According to bus company Ekspres Mutiara’s management, ticket prices are expected to rise again this year, as they have in previous years, with exact rates still subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
“Ticket prices fluctuate based on demand. During peak seasons like Hari Raya, fares tend to rise. It’s basic economics,” said a spokesman.
Meanwhile, data from the TBS website shows that bus fares tend to increase as the festive period approaches.
For example, a ticket that usually costs RM36 can surge to RM80 if booked just three days before Hari Raya, especially for routes to the east coast, particularly Kelantan.
A Pancaran Matahari sales representative stated that festive booking prices would follow the standard festive season rates, with possible adjustments.
“The ticket price for a trip about a week before Hari Raya from TBS to Tanah Merah, Kelantan, is approximately RM70,” the sales representative added.
Similarly, a KTMB customer service officer confirmed that fares could increase by up to RM10 as Hari Raya approaches due to dynamic pricing.
“A limited number of dates still has available seats, while the remainder are already sold out due to high demand,” the officer said.
