KTM Intercity has recently introduced a special train service that covers between KL Sentral and Ipoh at a competitive rate.
Users can buy the tickets at KTM Intercity counters located at KL Sentral and Ipoh Station. One-way journey will cost RM 25 for adults and RM 17 for children. There is no assigned seating for this service.
We were impressed by initiative from KTM to make the best out of what they currently have, we are disappointed with the uniavailability of onboard toilet for the coach. Journey between KL Sentral and Ipoh is not a short one. With a rough estimation of about two hours, quite a number of people would need to use the onboard toilet while they are on their journey. The availability of onboard toilet is very important to enable better customer experience.
However, we understand that this is probably the best solution that can come out from KTM Berhad’s management
KTM Berhad is one of the few service providers that are being compelled to use below-average rolling stocks, impose below-average train fares and numerous other limitations. We understand that i suffers from operational loss every year. Therefore, the government needs to improve this situation.
Railway industry in Malaysia as a lot of room for growth. Right now, only North-South highway is our transport backbone between northern and southern Malaysia. Therefore, by focusing more effort on improving rail services in Malaysia, we believe that the industry can prosper at a greater pace.
If SCS are introduced along the ETS routing than KTMB should consider limited stops for ETS in order to improve transit. ETS should bypass all stations that are served by the Komuter services. ETS should also consider extending the service from Butterworth to KLS with limited stops.
Tracks should undergo rehabilitation between Tg Malim / Seremban and between KLS and Port Klang.
Once this is completed, transit of trains will improve and turnaround of sets will be better. This will contribute to higher frequency of trains during peak periods thus improving ridership.