BUTTERWORTH: KTM Bhd (KTMB) has received two of 10 new Electric Train Service (ETS) sets that are part of a RM400mil acquisition exercise.
ETS and Intercity Services general manager Nurul Azha Mokmin said that both train sets are currently undergoing testing and commissioning, and are expected to be gradually deployed for operations starting next year.
She said that the acquisition of the new train sets aims to enhance both the quality and capacity of the ETS service, which continues to see strong demand.
“ETS passenger numbers grew by about 10% annually, indicating high user satisfaction. With the upcoming completion of the Gemas (Negri Sembilan) to Johor Baru (Johor) route, KTMB plans to expand ETS services to several new destinations.
“We have procured 10 ETS train sets, which are expected to operate on the Gemas-Johor Baru route beginning next year. Subsequently, new routes from Johor Baru to Butterworth and Padang Besar (Perlis) will also be introduced,” she said to Bernama after officiating the Ruby Lounge – an exclusive waiting area for business class passengers – at the Butterworth Station here yesterday.
She added that over 250,000 ETS and Intercity train tickets, including additional tickets released for the Aidiladha celebration, had been sold as of Wednesday since sales began on May 29.
She said this included the sale of 119,000 tickets for the Ekspres Selatan service, which covers the Johor Baru-Gemas route, and remains in high demand.
“KTMB is also continuing its special service, the Ekspres Lambaian Aidiladha, for the KL Sentral-Tumpat and Tumpat-KL Sentral routes, as in previous years. This year, the service offers two trips, with a total of 872 tickets available,” she said.
One-way fares range from RM80 to RM95, with options including premier and superior class seating, superior class sleeping coaches, as well as “chillax” and cafe coaches for added passenger comfort.
