Now you can go cycle the gorgeous Malaysian countryside by just taking the KTMB intercity trains as they have special carriages specifically to ferry bicycles!
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) yesterday announced a new special charter trains called the Express Bicycle Coach (XKB) which as the name suggests, allows cycling enthusiasts to bring along their bicycles when travelling to their desired destination to start cycling. Furthermore, this service was a show of support for the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat. Awesome!
KTMB chief executive officer (CEO) Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin asserted that the service was introduced to give hardcore cycling enthusiasts a new and unique experience when going out on an adventure with their bicycles. Furthermore, the service is offered to fulfil demands from passengers who want to relive the experience of diesel locomotive services as opposed to electric train services.
Mohd Rani further elaborated,
“When taking the train, they can explore interesting cycling locations along the KTMB train route throughout the country, including Thailand through the cooperation of the State Railway of Thailand.”
“This would indirectly make their trip a safer journey apart from being less tiring because they don’t have to drive to a farther location,”
During the launch event recently, KTMB invited some 150 participants to take a ride on the XKB from Kuala Lumpur station to Tanjung Malim station. The participants then cycled a scenic terrain for almost 4 hours over a distance of 49 kilometres from Tanjung Malim station via Sungai Bil – Behrang Ulu – Sungai Dar – Sungai Bil before coming back to the Tanjung Malim station.
The KTMB CEO said that the bicycle coaches were originally a modified passenger seat coach that could accommodate 60 bicycles at a time. For now, they are 3 bicycle coaches available in which bicycles are placed on a special equipments to ensure they remain stable and safe during the journey.
Furthermore, KTMB has also added an Air-conditioned Day/Night Second (ADNS) or a sitting coach that can accommodate 60 passengers in the XKB package. KTMB also provides a special route for cycling based on the scenic routes available across the nation.
As for the rental cost, it depends on the type of coach and the travel distance based on the needs and wants of the customers which are offered at an affordable price. Moreover, KTMB offers rental of special coaches with different facilities such as leisure coaches, conference coaches, special salon coaches, sleeper coaches and buffet coaches which can be accompanied by a bicycle coach according to the customer’s request.
What do you guys think of KTMB’s new offering? Would you be taking the XKB coach and go cycling in the Malaysian countryside? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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