High cost may make families think twice
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The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) presents an attractive alternative to express buses and flights for those who value time, according to transport experts. However, the combined ticket costs may deter some families from switching to rail travel, says Dr Yuen Choon Wah, head of the Universiti Malaya Centre for Transportation Research. The train journey from Gombak to Kota Baru takes about five hours, compared to more than eight by bus.
Despite the higher fare of RM125 for the train, Dr Yuen believes the service is worth the money, emphasizing the time saved. The ECRL could encourage more travellers to switch from buses, he adds. However, he wonders if the ECRL can attract group travellers, as the combined ticket cost might make other options more economical.
One-way fares from Gombak to Kota Baru range from RM60 for the Transit service to RM147 for the Express service, while bus fares start at RM50-plus. Express bus fares from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Baru hover between RM34 and RM105, while flights can cost from RM89 to RM350 or more.
Dr Mohd Syuhaidi Abu Bakar from Universiti Teknologi Mara sees the fares as reasonable and competitive when journey time, comfort, and convenience are factored in. However, he acknowledges that some people might find them expensive, but the benefits of saved time and enhanced comfort should be considered. He points out that road journeys to Kelantan can take over 16 hours, particularly along the Kuala Lipis-Merapoh-Gua Musang route, especially during festive seasons.
Dr Mohd Fathi Abu Yaziz, director of the Malaysia Institute of Transport, suggests that the ECRL should be evaluated based on reliability, comfort, and time savings, not just fares. He emphasizes that the service can bridge the gap between air travel and road transport, offering a faster alternative to buses without the hassle of airport procedures.
Dr Mohd Fathi warns that dynamic pricing could impact affordability for lower-income passengers. He proposes a hybrid pricing model, including regulated fare caps or concessions, to ensure the rail travel remains accessible while maintaining revenue.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
