Pricier than buses, cheaper than flights: How does Malaysia’s JB-KL electric train compare to other options?

Those travelling via bus, for instance, may only disembark at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, 15km from KL city centre.

Malaysian Leon Lee told me he had taken the ETS “many times” before Friday, stopping at the different cities along its route. 

“I’ve even taken the train to Padang Besar near the Thai border. It’s comfortable and relaxing, and I don’t take flights anymore (for domestic travel),” said the 53-year-old, who boarded Friday’s train in Kluang in central Johor. 

Still, not everyone feels the ETS is the most practical choice.

My colleague, visual journalist Zamzahuri Abas, acknowledged the ETS was a solid option but would still prefer to drive from JB to his hometown in Tapah, Perak. 

“Driving allows me to travel point to point, and since my family travels with a lot of luggage, it’s just easier to utilise the car,” said Zamzahuri, who has three children. 

This means the ETS has its work cut out trying to attract more passengers and to keep them coming back. 

For now, day one has set a pretty promising benchmark.