ECRL could offer relief from gruelling Raya journeys to the East Coast
PETALING JAYA: For some East Coast travellers, getting home for Hari Raya means enduring exhausting bus rides, hours behind the wheel and the uncertainty of festive traffic, making the prospect of a more comfortable journey worth paying for.
As the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) prepares to begin passenger services, travellers are weighing the cost of train tickets against the comfort, convenience and peace of mind that rail travel could offer.
READ MORE: ECRL to be lasting symbol of Malaysia-China friendship
READ MORE: ECRL can support up to 24 train trips a day, says operator
For Kelantanese Faiz Ruzman, 26, the appeal is not just about reaching home, but also avoiding another exhausting journey on congested highways.
“I think the RM125 ECRL fare is relatively affordable compared with flight tickets, which could cost RM200 to RM300 one-way during normal periods and reach RM500 during peak seasons.
“For me, RM120 to RM150 is still reasonable, especially compared with return flights that could cost almost RM1,000.”
Faiz expressed a preference for public transport, saying he was reluctant to drive long distances following recent vehicle problems, including a flat tyre and a suspected engine leak.
He recalled a gruelling bus journey to Kelantan on the eve of Hari Raya two years ago, when severe congestion along the Karak Highway left him enduring 12 to 14 hours on the road.
“It was very uncomfortable being stuck on a bus for so long. Hopefully, I can try the ECRL during the next festive season, depending on ticket availability.”
He added that he would consider paying higher fares during peak seasons, although buses costing RM60 to RM70 one-way would remain an option for travellers on tighter budgets.
For Kuala Terengganu native Tina Majid, 55, who now lives in Subang Jaya, the prospect of avoiding a tiring drive is another reason to consider the railway.
While she expressed belief that fares below RM100 would be more reasonable for regular journeys, she said she would willingly pay RM110 during festive periods to avoid spending eight or nine hours behind the wheel.
“Considering my age, I also feel it would be safer and less tiring than driving myself over long distances,” she said, adding that rail travel would also reduce petrol and toll expenses.
For student Nurraina Mohd Yousof, 21, who is studying in Terengganu, the decision comes down to whether travelling home could fit within her limited budget.