Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will be offering free train rides for two days, costing nearly RM1 million, in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebrations this February.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the free rides will run from midnight to 11:59 PM on 31 January and 1 February for KTM Komuter passengers in the Klang Valley, with passengers checking out through the automatic gate (ACG) system.
For illustration purposes only
KTMB to offer free train rides for two days in celebration of Thaipusam!
Additionally, Loke said extra KTM Komuter services will be available for Klang Valley passengers, running 24 hours a day for four days from 30 January to 2 February, according to Harian Metro.
“These extra trains will run after the last scheduled train each day, starting as early as 9:15 pm for the Pulau Sebang-Batu Caves route and 10:25 PM for the Port Klang-Batu Caves route,” he said.
As for the Electric Train Service (ETS), he said eight extra trips will be available from 29 January to 3 February.
“These cover four main routes, including JB Sentral-Butterworth-Ipoh-KL Sentral, with two trips on each route. A total of 10,080 tickets will be offered, with sales starting on 26 January.”
Anthony loke
Rapid will also run free feeder buses throughout the period
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, through RapidKL and RapidPenang, will provide free feeder bus services during the two-day period, operating from 6 AM to midnight on 31 January and running 24 hours on 1 February, according to local media.
Loke added that 30 buses will run from Pasar Seni Hub, LRT Gombak, and MRT Kampung Batu to Batu Caves, arriving every 10 minutes. In Penang, RapidPenang will operate 12 buses from the ferry jetty to Adventist, running every 20 to 60 minutes.
“The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd will also provide free ferry services from 31 January to 2 February (53 hours), with extended service until 3 am on 2 February. BAS.MY operators will run additional free bus services in Johor Bahru, Seremban, Ipoh, Kota Setar, and Sungai Petani to help Hindu devotees get to temples for the celebrations.”
Loke also noted that KTMB has arranged for medical support from Selayang Hospital and St. John Ambulance, which will be stationed at Batu Caves Station to provide immediate emergency assistance if needed.
“To make it easier for passengers, all payments, including free tickets, will be cashless, using the KITS Style app, Komuter Link cards, Touch ‘n Go cards, debit or credit cards, ticket kiosks, or ticket counters,” he said.
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