KUALA LUMPUR: Public transport such as trains and express buses remains the preferred choice for city folk travelling home for the Deepavali celebrations, with cost, comfort, and travel convenience being primary considerations.
A Bernama survey at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) found that physical ticket counters and self-service ticketing kiosks remained crowded, despite the widespread availability of online ticket booking.
Ex-serviceman R. Madavan, 77, opted for an express bus to travel to his son's home in Kulai, Johor on Monday (Nov 2) to celebrate Deepavali, citing affordable fares for senior citizens.
"I am leaving earlier so that I can spend time and play with my grandchildren. Furthermore, bus travel is much more comfortable, and I do not have to endure the exhaustion of traffic jams," he said.
Information technology (IT) sector worker P. Saravanan, 32, said taking the express bus gave him the opportunity to rest instead of driving.
"I drive to work every day, so this festive season I am taking the opportunity to relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of driving in heavy traffic," said Saravanan, who is travelling to Ipoh, Perak to celebrate Deepavali with his family.
Meanwhile, university student T. Shashnitha, 22, when met at the Kuala Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral) station, said she chose the train back to Penang rather than driving to save on costs and avoid festive traffic congestion.
"The train is more convenient because the journey is smoother, and I do not have to worry about traffic jams," she said.
K. Kheerthiga, 22, who studies at AIMST University in Kedah, also chose the train to return to her family home in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, to reduce travel expenses.
"As a student, I prefer the train because the fares are more affordable and help save money," said Kheerthiga, who took the opportunity to attend a concert in the capital over the weekend before heading home Monday.
Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated this Sunday (Nov 8) and is a major festival for the Hindu community, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. - Bernama
