Train dreams: An ETS train driver; (below) a look at the coach interior of a train during the ETS 3 launch at the Kempas Baru station. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
JOHOR BARU: The arduous road journey from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru is now a thing of the past, with the Electric Train Service 3 (ETS 3) beginning operations from today.
Moving at speeds of up to 140kph, the service slashes travel time to 4.5 hours, with passengers able to take in scenic sights of villages, plantations, greenery and townships along the south of the peninsula as they sit in comfort.
The ETS 3 follows the completion of the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double-Tracking Project (EDTP).
With this, the ETS will connect Padang Besar in the north all the way to Johor Baru in the south, with the journey taking about 10.5 hours.
With the ETS 3, passengers can travel directly from Johor Baru to northern spots on the peninsula including Tanjung Malim and Ipoh in Perak, as well as Bukit Mertajam and Butterworth in Penang.
Travel bugs are in for a treat as the ETS promises to provide a hassle-free experience, eliminating the uncertainties of congestion on the roads and the need to pay toll, plus the difficulties of having to put up with weekend and peak time traffic.
The completion of the 192km Gemas-Johor Baru ETS line will see the introduction of 11 new stations – Segamat, Genuang, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Mengkibol, Rengam, Layang-Layang, Kulai and Kempas Baru.
At the launch of the service in Gemas, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim boarded the train for an inspection.
His Highness was accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The train, capable of seating a maximum of 312 passengers, features regular and platinum classes.
Each seat comes fitted with plug points, with passengers enjoying ample leg room and individual desks.
Overhead compartments are also available for luggage storage, alongside WiFi access. The onboard toilets add extra convenience for longer trips.
Cabins are fully air-conditioned, with passengers advised to bring sweaters to wear as it can get very cold.
Food services are also provided onboard, which makes having a quick bite an extremely convenient option.
Prayer rooms are provided for Muslim passengers.
CCTVs are fitted throughout the train for security.
