Faster by train, not plane
BUTTERWORTH: A train can never move faster than a plane, but a train ride can be faster than a flight.
And when it comes to travel between Penang and the Klang Valley, many professionals now take the Electric Train Service (ETS) instead of catching a flight.
'When we include the drive to the airport, the regular flight delays, and then the drive from either Subang Airport or KLIA2 to the city centre, we realise how much time we waste, so we take the train now,' said Datuk Seri Ooi Eng Hock, the former Penang chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers.
He and several of his business associates have been using the ETS to travel to Kuala Lumpur for business meetings multiple times a month for the past five years.
'I often bump into other businessmen and VIPs on the train.
'I smile on seeing that many 'T20 people' have seen the logic in taking trains instead of planes from here to KL,' said Ooi.
He said the journey is about four hours, and once, on an express ride from KL Sentral to Bukit Mertajam, it took him three and a half hours.
The return fare for Ooi in business class is approximately RM300; however, he often finds himself opting for standard class due to the rapid sell-out of business class seats.
'It's time to add more coaches and improve the cleanliness and other services. However, I certainly find the provided meals pleasant,' he said.
'The train connection between Penang and KL is so important now. It is even more punctual than taking flights.'
Another frequent ETS user is Muslim Jewellers and Money Changers Association Penang president Datuk Dr Anvar Hussain.
'It's easier for me when attending functions, as the train reaches there in four hours. ... Honestly, taking a flight to KL is a real hassle. Budget airlines have a tendency to take off late, and it screws up my time management,' he said.
Many members of his association have now opted to take the train for their commutes between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, he said.
Senior insurance consultant Kalaimoney Arumugam likes how there are coat hangers in business class for him to hang up his jacket.
'I can bring along my business suit for meetings and events without worrying about wrinkling it.
'I can also do last-minute updates of conference materials on my laptop, as it is more comfortable than the cramped seats on budget airlines,' he added.
This increase in business travellers has prompted Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) to create the 'Ruby Lounge' at the Butterworth train station, a waiting area for those with business class tickets.
ETS and Intercity Services general manager Nurul Azha Mokmin said the lounge, with a maximum capacity of 40 passengers, was upgraded with cushioned seats and more power outlets.
'Passengers using Komuter and ETS Standard Class services will now wait in the common area equipped with fans, while the Ruby Lounge is a value-added experience for business class passengers,' said Nurul after opening the lounge on Friday.
According to KTMB, 470,508 passengers travelled on the ETS between Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur from January to May, with 420,653 in standard class and 49,855 in business class.
Nurul also stated that all 250,000 tickets for the ETS and Intercity trains during the week-long school holiday were sold out, including approximately 130,000 for ETS trips and 120,000 for Intercity journeys between May 29 and June 9.
'We added 10,080 tickets for four extra trips, two each between Kuala Lumpur and Padang Besar and Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth, and all were sold out too,' said Nurul.
She added that seats for two extra Intercity trips between Kuala Lumpur and Tumpat were also nearly sold out as of Friday.
'Each year, we record about a 10% increase in ridership,' she said.
Ten new ETS trainsets, costing RM400mil, will be added next year to expand the fleet.
'We will be launching new routes between Gemas and Johor Baru with trains also operating from Johor Baru to Butterworth and Padang Besar.
'The trains have arrived and are currently undergoing commissioning,' she said.
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