Four-hour ECRL Travel Time To Transform Kelantan-Klang Valley Commute

KOTA BHARU, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) ability to connect Gombak and Kota Bharu in about four hours is set to bring a new dimension to travel between Kelantan and the Klang Valley, with travel time saved being a key factor for commuters choosing transport options.

For commuters who have long relied on road transport, the rail service offers a viable alternative based on travel time, comfort, and fares, especially for those who travel frequently between both destinations.

Food stall operator Norliana Che Ab Rahim, 38, from Tumpat, said fares starting from RM125 one way for economy class are reasonable considering the time savings and comfort passengers will enjoy.

She said the service provides an option for Kelantanese who frequently face traffic congestion when returning to their hometowns, particularly during festive seasons.

“The RM125 fare is very reasonable, especially considering the time saved and the faster journey.

“With the ECRL, those from the East Coast will have a more comfortable transport option to return to their hometowns,” she told Bernama today.

Meanwhile, government pensioner Azni Zainal Abidin, 70, said the service would make it easier for Kelantanese living or working in Kuala Lumpur to return and visit their families.

Azni, who hopes to book tickets as early as possible, said the rail link is meaningful to him as many of his children live in the capital.

Mohd Nazri Hussin, 40, described the ECRL as a good transport alternative capable of shortening travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan.

He said discount offers for higher education students, senior citizens, and government pensioners also add value to the service.

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) today announced a 30 per cent discount on ECRL economy class tickets for one month in conjunction with the launch of the service on Dec 12.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke was reported as saying that the offer is for members of the public who do not enjoy concession fares, and is not an additional deduction on existing concession tickets.

MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said yesterday that the Cabinet had approved a 50 per cent discount for children aged two to 12, Malaysian senior citizens aged 60 and above, persons with disabilities (PwD) cardholders, and government pensioners.

In addition, students aged 13 to 24 are eligible for a 40 per cent discount.

Economy class fares for the 523-kilometre ECRL journey from Gombak to Kota Bharu reportedly start from as low as RM125 one way, while express services on the same route start at RM147.

For the 378-kilometre Gombak-Kuala Terengganu route, transit fares start at RM95 one way and express services at RM110, while for the 209-kilometre Gombak-KotaSAS journey, fares start at RM60 for transit and RM68 for express.

-- BERNAMA