As population in urban areas grows, traffic congestion has become a concerning issue for many living in the capital of Malaysia. It is estimated that the overall number of cars in the country has grown by at least a million every year since 2019.
One of the ways for city dwellers to avoid congestion is to use public rail transport. The public rail system is a popular way of travelling in Kuala Lumpur, with total ridership across rail systems having exceeded 26 million in March 2024.
The public rail system is also one of the most economical ways to travel in Kuala Lumpur, with prices for tickets starting from RM0.60. Additionally, senior citizens and students also enjoy lower fares.
How The Public Rail System Works In Malaysia?
The integrated public transit system in Kuala Lumpur consists of a few rail systems, which are the MRT, LRT, Monorail and KTM.
The MRT, LRT and Monorail rail systems are operated by the government-owned company Prasarana Malaysia Bhd. Meanwhile, the KTM rail service, which connects passengers to the northern and southern states, is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd.
Each rail system has stops at iconic landmarks in urban Kuala Lumpur including the KLCC, Central Market and Petaling Street. Passengers can switch between rail systems at certain interchange stations to reach their destination.
Features Of Public Trains In Malaysia
Most public trains in Malaysia are equipped with air conditioning and seating to ensure passenger comfort. However, the monorail, which is smaller, offers limited seating options. Specific rail systems like the KTM and MRT feature women-only coaches, enhancing safety and comfort for female passengers. The latest MRT trains are also equipped with free Wi-Fi, adding to the convenience for commuters.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail network serves residents in Greater Kuala Lumpur via two lines, which are the Kajang line and Putrajaya line, covering a total of more than 100 km.
With more than 60 stations, the MRT train starts from Kwasa Damansara, a new township and passes through downtown Kuala Lumpur before ending at Putrajaya Sentral, an important federal administrative territory of the country.
The following are the fares for the MRT rail system:
Rail System
Stations
Types of Payments
Price Range (RM)
Kajang Line
Kwasa Damansara – Kajang
Cash
0.80 – 5.90
Cashless
0.80 – 5.10
Concession
0.40 – 2.90
Putrajaya Line
Kwasa Damansara – Putrajaya Sentral
Cash
0.80 – 6.90
Cashless
0.80 – 5.80
Concession
0.40 – 3.30
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is another popular railway network in Kuala Lumpur consisting of three lines, which are the Ampang line, Sri Petaling Line and Kelana Jaya line. The LRT network has a combined rail track length of more than 80 km, with more than 70 stations.
The LRT system provides passengers with a connection to focal areas in Kuala Lumpur such as KLCC, Ampang Park, Masjid Jamek and the largest transit hub in the country, KL Sentral.
The following are fares for the LRT train:
Rail System
Stations
Types of Payments
Price Range (RM)
Sri Petaling Line
Putra Heights – Sentul East
Cash
0.80 – 4.90
Cashless
0.80 – 4.20
Concession
0.40 – 2.40
Ampang Line
Ampang – Sentul East
Cash
0.80 – 3.80
Cashless
0.80 – 3.30
Concession
0.40 – 1.90
Kelana Jaya Line
Putra Heights – Gombak
Cash
0.80 – 6.20
Cashless
0.80 – 5.30
Concession
0.40 – 3.10
Monorail
The Monorail covers locations within Kuala Lumpur city centre such as Bukit Nanas and Chow Kit, with only 11 stations. As the Monorail focuses on areas in Kuala Lumpur city centre, the stops are situated at shorter distances from one another, and the coaches are relatively smaller.
The Monorail is suitable for those who are travelling from one area to another within Kuala Lumpur city centre. However, as it is a popular mode of transport for workers working in the surrounding business and banking districts, do expect a crowd during peak hours.
The following are the fares for the Monorail rail service:
Rail System
Stations
Types of Payments
Price Range (RM)
Monorail
KL Sentral – Titiwangsa
Cash
0.90 – 4.00
Cashless
0.90 – 3.50
Concession
0.40 – 2.00
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM)
The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) consists of three routes, which are the Mid Valley – Seremban – Gemas route, Port Klang – Batu Caves and Tanjung Malim – Segambut route.
The KTM train is known for its interstate connections, with routes connected to 57 stations.
The following are the fares for the KTM rail service:
Rail System
Stations
Types of Payments
Price Range (RM)
KTM
Mid Valley – Seremban – Gemas
Cashless
1.00 – 15.30
Port Klang – Batu Caves
1.10 – 6.60
Tanjung Malim – Segambut
1.20 – 8.10
Buying Rail Tickets Or Tokens?
For travel on the MRT, LRT, and Monorail systems, there are several payment options available: tokens, TNG cards, or concession cards. You can calculate your exact fares on the website.
To purchase a single-journey token, select your destination and use the token vending machines located at railway stations. You must tap the token at the entry gate and drop it into a slot at the exit gate to pass through.
TNG cards, which can be used repeatedly, are available for purchase at various locations, including train stations, petrol stations, and convenience stores. A TNG card costs RM10.
Senior citizens aged 60 and above and students can apply for a concession card online to enjoy a 50% discount on fares. The card costs RM5, and cardholders are required to deposit a minimum of RM10 into the card.
If you are taking the KTM train, you can purchase tickets online or at the counter, though counter purchases are limited to four tickets per person.
It is important to note that rail fares for cashless payments, such as those made via the TNG card, are cheaper compared to cash payments via tokens.
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