Sabah Train Services Still A Preferred Choice, Commuters Call For Cashless Payment

KOTA KINABALU, April 25 (Bernama) -- Train services in Sabah remain a preferred and relevant mode of daily transportation, especially for those seeking a more affordable alternative.

However, the existing ticket payment system is seen as needing modernisation through the implementation of cashless methods in line with current technological developments, to make it faster and more efficient.

Private university student Nurinsyirah Mazlan, 19, from Putatan, said she uses the train service every day from Putatan to her campus in Kota Kinabalu.

Nurinsyirah said the train is her preferred choice as the fare is significantly cheaper than e-hailing services, making it worthwhile for short journeys.

“From Putatan to Kota Kinabalu, the fare is only about 40 sen. For students, this is very affordable. However, I suggest introducing cashless payment systems such as QR codes or a dedicated card for students,” she told Bernama.

Nurinsyirah said that most people, including students, no longer carry cash, and therefore ticket payments would be easier if done using QR codes or cards.

“So it’s more convenient, and there’s no need to look for coins anymore,” she said.

Meanwhile, Amirah Zakiah Zamlly, 19, from Putatan, said she uses the train almost every day to travel to her college in Kota Kinabalu, as the station is located near her home.

She said that although the fare is very affordable, the current payment system is seen as less practical.

“Right now, we still have to queue and pay in cash. If there were a QR code or card system, it would be faster and more convenient. Especially nowadays, everything is modern, so there should be improvements,” she said.

The student also opined that the introduction of a monthly train pass could help users better manage their public transport expenses.

Amirah Zakiah also expressed hope that train services in Sabah will continue to be improved, including upgrading the air-conditioning system in the carriages for greater passenger comfort.

She said such improvements could also attract more people to use train services in the future.

“For example, if every carriage is equipped with proper air-conditioning, more people would be interested in using the train service.

“Based on my experience, the train fare from Putatan to Aeropod (Tanjung Aru) is only 40 sen. Even if the price is increased slightly in the future, I think it would still be reasonable as it is already very cheap. What matters is that the service is comfortable,” she said.

Meanwhile, Muhd Izz Zuhairi Mohd Yusrie, 23, from Papar, said the use of a cashless payment system is in line with modernisation trends, as most users today are more comfortable with digital payment methods.

He also suggested that the relevant department develop an online train ticketing system, either through a mobile application or website, to improve service efficiency without the need to queue at counters.

“Users can purchase tickets in advance and simply show proof of purchase. After all, most of us have smartphones, so we can download an app and register, or pay for tickets via a website,” he said.

He also expressed hope that train services in Sabah will be maintained and that access to the public transport system will be expanded to reach more passengers in nearby districts in the future.

On April 8, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick announced that the Sabah Railway Department is conducting two studies related to the state’s train services, including a review of train fare rates.

Ewon, who is also Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the studies also include a feasibility assessment for a new route from Putatan to Kota Kinabalu, and onwards to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Area and Sepanggar Port.

-- BERNAMA