KTM Komuter passengers will be able to enjoy a 20% discount on fares for all lines from April 1 onwards, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke today.

Commuters who use cashless options will be eligible for up to 40% discounts, said Loke in a statement.

He said this was part of the government’s initiative to alleviate cost of living issues, noting that transportation cost is the third-largest contributor to the cost of living. 

The discount is applicable for all KTM Komuter lines, namely the Port Klang-Tanjung Malim, Seremban-Batu Caves, Padang Rengas-Butterworth, Butterworth-Padang Besar and Sungai Gadut-Tampin lines which operate across Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, Kedah and Perlis.

“The cabinet has agreed to the Transport Ministry’s proposal for a 20% discount for KTM Komuter fares in a meeting held this morning.

“This is among the government’s initiatives to alleviate cost of living burdens,” he said.

The proposal was presented to the National Cost of Living Action Council last week.

As an example, with the discount in place, a ticket from Port Klang to KL Sentral that cost about RM6.40 will now cost RM5.12, after the 20% discount. 

Meanwhile, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) will be losing some RM43 billion in revenue from the move. The lost portion will be borne by Railway Asset Corp.

Loke said the scheme is subjected to a yearly review and is slated to be in effect for at least a year from the time it is implemented.

With the discounts, KTMB is also looking to boost KTM Komuter’s ridership which appears to be dragged down by the longer wait time due to track upgrading works and reduced frequency.

The current daily ridership for the northern region stands at about 15,000, whereas the Klang Valley sees about 75,000 passengers each day. The southern region accounts for about 4,000 passengers.

KTMB is hoping for the number of passengers to grow to 120,000 through the introduction of the scheme. It is also in the middle of developing an application called My Journey to enable passengers to receive travel updates.

If the ridership increases, the government’s subsidies will be less as this will allow it to achieve economies of scale.

Beefing up MRT security

In the wake of the recent MRT theft incident, Loke identified six stations as crime hot spots, namely the Taman Mutiara, Batu 11, Bukit Bintang, Maluri, Kajang and Taman Pertama stations. 

“After last week’s incident, Prasarana has beefed up security by increasing the number of auxiliary police who will be on frequent rounds throughout the day. MRT users could also seek help from the auxiliary police at these stations to escort them to parking spots,” he said.

A special taskforce comprising plain-clothed auxiliary policemen tasked to patrol stations identified at hot spots will be formed from the current force of 1,300 auxiliary policemen.

The government is also looking to step up security at all stations in addition to the immediate deployment of the special taskforce to the six stations, he added.

Loke also called for station facility managers such as Prasarana and KTMB to ensure that all park and ride facilities to be well lit especially at night.

Prasarana will also be working with police to come up with measures to improve security.

Addressing the lack of public transport facilities in Semenyih, Loke said the government is looking to increase the number of feeder buses to connect MRT stations to other locations.

“The biggest challenge is to improve first and last mile connectivity,” he said.

He added that the current number of passengers for the MRT – around 190,000 riders – is well below the expectation of attracting around 400,000 riders. However, he noted the My100 pass did contribute to an added boost to ridership. 

Commenting on the ongoing spat between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and AirAsia, Loke said he hopes that both parties will be able to amicably resolve their feud over the passenger service charge (PSC).

“If they can settle among themselves, that will be the best situation. I do not want to interfere as much as I can. I was made to understand that there are discussions. We hope that there will be a settlement between them,” he said.

He acknowledged that whatever that is due to be paid (PSC arrears) should be settled. – February 20, 2019.