KLIA Ekspres launches new trains, adds more seats

KLIA Ekspres has unveiled the new livery used on the last of the six new Chinese train sets delivered and ready for service. The addition of the new trains will increase the seats available on KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit by 50%. The two services are operated by Express Rail Link (ERL).

***** If you’re in Kuala Lumpur, or nearby, why not try out the service for free this weekend. There are a few conditions:

• Available only on 17th & 18th March 2018
• You must be a family group (which includes children 12 years and below)
• All family members must be present when collecting the tickets
• The family must travel as a group for the whole journey to and fro
• Available on both KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit, to & from all stations
• Collect tickets personally at the station between 9am & 5pm
• Tickets are for immediate use
• You must return the same day

KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit changes

The six new trains have been apportioned to give KLIA Transit four units with the other two going to KLIA Ekspres. The first KLIA Transit train arrived from China’s Changchun Railway Vehicles Company Limited (CRRC) in October 2016.

The similarities & differences

Both types of train set comprises 4 carriages, with clear connectivity between carriages no door)s This maximises the space and eases movement through the train.

Similarities

All trains also offer

• longer seat pitch (more leg room)
• higher ceilings
• more efficient air-conditioning
• better CCTV surveillance
• speeds up to 160kph
• under-seat power sockets on some seats

Differences

KLIA Transit will still get you to KLIA and klia2, but it is a transit service, stopping at Bandar Tasik Selatan, Putrajaya/Cyberjaya and Salak Tinggi. As such it takes a few minutes longer, but gives more flexibility.

• The transit train has more open space for standing passengers:
  • 144 seats, total capacity up to 350 passengers.
  • handrails and hand holds for standing passengers
  • The extra train mean higher frequency with trains running every half hour
  • fifteen minutes during peak hours
• The express trains are more spacious
  • more seating – 192 seats in various configurations
  • single seats
  • double seats,
  • facing pairs
  • VIP seating (assured seating, limousine service to/from home or accommodation)
• This extra space comes from
  • no toilets on board
  • no baggage section for checked luggage (there are still luggage racks provided)
• For passengers checking in at KL Sentral
  • Check in at least 2-3 hours before your flight
  • Your luggage will travel on one of the older Siemens trains, which will be scheduled alternately with the new trains.
• Services run every 20 mins, 15 minutes during peak hours.

During the unveiling of the new train, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai also spoke of the need to enhance the urban public transport efficiency and service level. He made mention of the upgrading of KTM train lines which will improve commuter connectivity by 2019.

The ERL services also connects at KL Sentral with other bus, Light Rail Transport (LRT) and the three new MRT lines, the first of which runs between Sungei Buloh and Kajang.

Check out their website for more information on KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit schedules and fares, or to purchase tickets.