KUALA LUMPUR: Travellers using the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will enjoy a 30% discount on economy-class tickets during the first month of operations, with Dec 12 targeted as the start date.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said ticket sales were expected to open soon ahead of the launch.
"In conjunction with the opening of ECRL, a 30% discount will be given to the public for all economy tickets for one month, beginning from the start of operations," he told reporters after opening Transport Expo Asia (TXA) 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here on Tuesday (Oct 20).
The promotional discount is separate from the permanent 50% concession for eligible groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students.
Loke said the ECRL was among the major transport infrastructure projects approaching the operational phase, alongside the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is scheduled to begin operations in February.
He said the government is also looking at ways to strengthen the transport sector through technology, innovation and closer cooperation between public agencies and private companies.
"TXA was developed as a dedicated platform for the transport industry, following the ministry’s decision to establish its own exhibition separate from the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima), which focuses more on the defence sector.
"We hope that TXA will become a permanent exhibition organised by the ministry every two years," he said, adding that the event would alternate with Lima.
The expo features technologies such as autonomous vehicles for logistics, drone management systems, aircraft maintenance solutions and driving simulators designed to improve road safety.
He also encouraged local companies, including small and medium enterprises, to attend the exhibition and explore technologies that could improve their operations.
"Malaysia cannot be left behind. Local transport operators must keep pace with technological developments."
He added that government-linked transport operators were major buyers of equipment and services, creating opportunities for original equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
"We hope this can also become a catalyst for the manufacturing sector and the local supply chain," he said.
In his opening address, Loke said TXA 2026 was designed to connect government policy with private-sector innovation and translate new technologies into more efficient operations, lower emissions and safer transport services.
He said the country’s transport priorities included digitalisation, sustainable transport, agile logistics and environmentally, socially and governance-driven supply chains.
"We hope the event will grow into a regional platform for industry collaboration and technological advancement, with the next edition planned for 2028," he said.
