PUTRAJAYA: The Electric Train Service (ETS) will run 24 hours during festive periods, starting this Chinese New Year, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
“If possible, we want to ensure there are additional, unscheduled services when demand is high which is similar to airlines adding extra flights or midnight flights,” he said.
“The 24-hour ETS service will be implemented during all major festive seasons,” he added during a press conference after his New Year message event here yesterday.
Loke said previously, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB), did not fully optimise its train sets during festive periods, as they usually kept spare sets as a precaution in case of breakdowns, so not all sets were deployed.
“However, I have instructed KTMB that we must optimise our existing sets.
“In the same way, KTMB can operate midnight trains.
“With upcoming festive periods such as Chinese New Year or Aidilfiltri celebrations and other public holidays, when demand is high, we will increase services.
“Our goal is firstly, to optimise our assets, and secondly, to increase capacity,” he said.
“ETS is highly popular. If passengers can secure tickets, they would rather take the train than endure long drives, such as six hours to Johor Baru or eight hours to Penang, and sometimes up to 10 hours in traffic.
“With ETS, the journey is comfortable as passengers don’t have to struggle on the road. They can sit comfortably, do their work, read and arrive at their destination safely. Ultimately, what we want is to increase capacity and frequency, optimise our assets and allow more people to benefit by securing ETS tickets.”
Meanwhile, on the new brake inspection rules, Loke said that he has asked the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to have engagement with operators to provide clear guidelines.
The Star reported on Monday that transport operators are asking for more clarity over the enforcement of the new brake parameter for lorries, saying that more engagement is needed before its planned rollout on March 1.
