KUANTAN: The unveiling of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) fares has given prospective passengers a clearer idea of travel costs, with many weighing the convenience of faster journeys against affordability.
The introduction of dynamic pricing has also raised concerns over fare fluctuations, particularly among families and frequent commuters planning regular trips between the East Coast and the Klang Valley.
The ECRL will traverse Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, linking Kota Baru to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal.
Its first phase, spanning 520km from Kota Baru to Gombak, is scheduled to begin operations on Dec 12.
Private sector employee Hanapi Mat Ripin, 51, said the service would offer greater comfort for those travelling between the Klang Valley and the East Coast, after years of relying on road transport.
"The ticket prices between Gombak and Kuantan seem affordable. The express services from Gombak stop at only one station each in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
"People in Bentong, Temerloh and Maran who want to travel to Kuantan will have to take the transit services," he said when met.
Bentong resident A. Chandran, 47, said the ECRL was likely to be popular among residents, with the journey from Bentong to Gombak expected to take less than 30 minutes.
"The train will run on schedule, without passengers having to contend with traffic congestion or delays.
"The Bentong station's location along the Karak Expressway also makes it convenient for commuters. Even now, some Bentong residents travel to Kuala Lumpur daily by bus for work," he said.
However, Chandran said dynamic pricing remained a concern, particularly for large families travelling during festive periods and peak seasons.
He said the 40 per cent discount for secondary school students and undergraduates would help ease the financial burden on parents.
Jason Lim, 40, said the ECRL station in Mentakab was connected to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's Ekspres Rakyat Timuran service, making it easier for travellers from other parts of the country, including Johor, to reach the East Coast.
"The ECRL offers an alternative to road transport, especially as Pahang's airport is still under construction. Once the Kuantan International Airport is completed in the next few years, the state will have a better-connected transport network," he said.
ECRL fares start at RM125 for economy-class transit services between Gombak and Kota Baru, while express fares start at RM147.
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