KLIA Ekspres fare going up

In an announcement made on 1st December 2015, Noormah Mohd. Noor, Chief Executive Officer of ERL confirmed that the KLIA Ekspres fare between KL Sentral and KLIA / KLIA2 will go up by over 50 percent from RM35 to RM55 beginning 1st January 2016 instead of the authorised revision to RM64 based on the terms of the concession agreement.

Going by the immediate response from a number of local consumer organisations, NGOs and members of the public, it is clear that the increase has not been well received by the travelling public. There have been demands that the Transport Minister explain the rationale behind approval of the sizeable increase in cost, coming as it does on top of rising costs of other public transport costs in recent weeks. We will monitor developments and update this piece if there are adjustments made.

The New Fares

Perhaps in anticipation of criticism, a number of offers and discounts have been offered in an attempt to make the price hike more palatable. These include a monthly TravelCard for daily commuters using the train offering discounts of 17 percent to 83 percent, with an average discount of 45 percent. In addition, Senior citizens and disabled persons will continue to receive discounts of 30 percent on one-way fares on the KLIA Transit.

Check the new fare structure for both the KLIA Ekspres and the KLIA Transit – you will also note that the fare between KLIA and KLIA2 remains at RM2.

For more information and to book tickets, you can use the KLIA Ekspres website, or download apps for iPhone and Android.

Comparisons – Are KLIA Ekspres fares the lowest in the world?

ERL CEO Noormah Mohd Noor has said the company is working with its partners to provide discounts to help customers cope with the hikes and that the KLIA Ekspres still offered the lowest airport rail transfer fare in the world.

Let’s check the numbers…..  **Please note that not all are dedicated airport/city trains, some are normal commuter services and others are modified commuter services.

KL Sentral to KLIA/KLIA2 – RM55 (currently around €12.25)

Paris – €10 to or from any point in the Paris network and Charles De Gaulle International Airport. (currently around RM45)

London Heathrow, from the City – £7 if you buy 90 days ahead, (currently about RM 45)

Vienna City to Vienna International Airport – €11 (currently just under RM50)

Amsterdam Central to Schiphol Airport – €5.10 (currently, just under RM23)

Brisbane to Brisbane Domestic or International Airport – A ‘walk-up ticket’ will cost you AU$17 (AU$32 Return), good discounts are available for online purchase, children aged 14 and below travel free if accompanied by a ticketed adult passenger.

Sydney to Sydney International Airport – Adult ticket AU$17, Concession (Child, Student, Senior and Pensioner) AU$13.60

Singapore City Hall SMRT to Changi Airport – just under SG$2

Taipei to Taoyuan Airport – there is a new direct line under construction, but for now, take the High Speed train to Taoyuan High Speed Rail station (NT$165) and catch the shuttle bus (NT$30) to the airport.

Beijing (Sanyuanqiao & Dongzhimen) to Beijing Capital Airport – 25Yuan

Shanghai to Pudong International Airport (By Maglev, fastet train in the world) – 50Yuan or 80Yuan return