Inaugural ETS trip by Ram Naidu on Aug 10 2010

Posted by Steven Lee, Acting Secretary, Ipoh City Watch

Dear members and friends,

Ram Naidu, an Executive Committee member of ICW, was on board the inaugural trip of the ETS from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur for the grand launch, and back. Below is his report on the event.

--------------------------------------------------
THE FUTURE OF RAILWAY IS HERE

It was more than 100 years when the 1st train service began in the then Malaya. Today sees an evolution in its services…from charcoal to steam, then to diesel and now to electricity. KTMB has now introduced the Electric Train Service (ETS).

KTMB staff welcoming passengers of ETS

Although the ETS train service officially begins on 12.08.10, I was one of the privileged few to travel amongst dignitaries in its inaugural Ipoh – Kuala Lumpur journey on 10.08.10.

Proud moment ... Ram Naidu posing in front of the ETS

The futuristic looking train rolled off at 10.09 am. It has a maximum speed of 160 km/h. This high-tech train is built by Rotem Hyundai which is also a renowned manufacturer of battle tanks and cars. The smooth ride coupled with its plush comfortable seats added comfort to the entire journey. Other luxuries thrown in to spoil the traveler is a cafeteria and WiFi service. Sadly, no seats belts were provided in spite of the speed.

Brand new comfortable seat

Ram Naidu together with other members of ICW at the launching of ETS

The journey from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur took about 2 hours. We were received by the General Manager of KTMB and Director of KWSP on arrival at KL station where a grand luncheon awaited us. Its CEO said that this is the fastest train in the country. Ipoh is the first town to start this service (Ipoh - KL - Seremban).

However, at RM35 per pax I suppose many who wish to bring their families along may not be too happy.

M Gokoolaram Naidu

Ipoh-KL electric train fare RM30-35 - The Star

By ROSHIDI ABU SAMAH

BATU GAJAH: KTMB will charge a fare between RM30 and RM35 for the Electric Train Service (ETS) between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur scheduled to be in operation in the first week of August.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the fare was just as the goverment had taken into consideration the welfare of potential commuters.

"The fare can be considered cheap. KTMB had initially applied for a fare of RM50 but it was rejected by the government.

"We want to encourage the public to use the ETS which is more comfortable and safe compared to express bus services. That is why we want the ETS fare to be competitively priced," he told reporters after the opening of KTMB complex by Sultan Perak Sultan Azlan Shah here Tuesday.

Kong added that there would be five ETS trains that would provide eight return trips for the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh route daily. The first train will leave at 5am and the last at 11pm.

He said KTM would increase the numbers of trips if there was a great demand for the services especially during festivals.

"We are planning to get the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) himself to launch the new train service at a date to be decided," he added.

With a speed of 140km/h, the ETS is expected to reduce travel time between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur to about two hours from three hours previously.

Meanwhile, Kong said the new KTMB complex, built in a 75ha area, cost of about RM400mil.

He said the project was started in November 2006 and completed in November 2008.