On August 12, 2010, the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) inaugurated the Electric Train Service (ETS) in Malaysia. ETS Transit was the sole rail service that ran in both directions when it was first offered by KTM, and it bore the name of the same acronym. The service was expanded on July 10, 2015 such that it now goes from Ipoh to Padang Besar through Butterworth and makes stops at a total of 24 stations along the way.

In this article, Rise Malaysia would like to share some information regarding ETS services in Malaysia that is quite important and hopefully should ease your ETS experience in the most possible fun ways!

ETS Services In Malaysia

1. ETS Platinum

For the fastest service from point A to point B on long-distance trains, take the Platinum Class, which stops at only the major stations along the line and so is the fastest of all the ETS Services. Furthermore, they typically run during peak travel hours. The Platinum ETS’s train numbers all begin with EP.

Typically, there are six carriages or coaches in a Platinum Class train, and each one may accommodate up to 58 passengers.

ETS Business Class

The KTM ETS Business Class only operates on Coach A in a manner very similar to that of the KTM ETS Platinum, in that it makes very few stops. Because it only stops at the most important stations, the total travel time is significantly less than that required by the other ETS classes. On the other hand, in contrast to the other ETS classes, the KTM’s ETS Business Class is said to offer the highest level of comfort available.

Features Available In ETS Business Class

i) Rotatable, Flexible & Bigger Seats

• Seats in the ETS Business Class are more spacious, and each row has a 1+2 layout rather than the 2+2 found in the normal cabins. Those commuting with ETS Business Class will like the 360-degree swiwel capability of their seats.

• A maximum recline of 45 degrees is available on the seats too.

• Each passenger’s seat has both a tray table and the in-seat entertainment system already set up and ready to use. Your level of comfort can be modified by adjusting the headrest.

• It has a power socket with three pins and two USB ports. Not to forget, you will also be given a travel kit; earphones. Hand socks and neck pillow.

ii) Personal Entertainment System

• A personal entertainment system, consisting of a small screen on which passengers can watch movies or browse the internet with their free WiFi, is provided at each seat. You can use the in-seat dining option on the entertainment system.

• To save you the trouble of leaving your seat to walk to the café, know that the meal will be served to your seat when it has been prepared, and that payment is made solely in cash upon delivery.

iii) Intercom & Information Display

There is a safety or emergency intercom system available at the dining café that is closest to you for your convenience. In addition, wall-mounted LCD screens are installed at both ends of each carriage. These screens are able to display information regarding the route, as well as reminder messages, the current time, and the carriage’s speed.

2. ETS Gold

In many ways, Gold Class service is identical to Platinum Class service, right down to the use of the same high-speed Class 93 Trains imported from China (which can reach speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour, or just under 100 miles per hour) that are used for Platinum Class service.

But there’s a catch; trains in the Gold service category are not as quick as those in the Platinum service category since they make more stops along the way. Due to making additional stops along the way, Gold Services might be expected to be marginally more time consuming. The train numbers for Gold ETS services begin with EG.

3. ETS Silver

Silver Train Services (labelled as ES) on the ETS run between KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh in Perak state and are the slowest of the three classes of Electric Trains, behind the Platinum and Gold Services.

On this route between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, there is a distinction between the Silver Services and the Gold Services in that the Silver Services make stops at all of the stations along the route, but the Gold Services only make stops at the primary stations.

Since the Silver Services are the most cost-effective option for getting from Kuala Lumpur to the state of Perak, they tend to fill up early, especially during peak travel periods. The Silver Trains are an excellent choice, then, for those who are strapped for cash.

Facilities & Amenities Of All ETS Services In Malaysia

1. Bistro & Dining Area

In need of some sustenance or a hot beverage while riding the rails? The F&B Bistro is located in coach C. Help is at hand from the ETS team. When you eat a hot lunch at ETS, you can do so while taking in the scenery. There are two tables and four seats in the coach’s dining section.

2. Luggage Compartment

Each of the coaches, from A to F, has a luggage compartment that you may use to store your bag in a secure location that is also simple to access. However, if you require more space for your luggage, coaches A and F come equipped with additional luggage rack space for your use.

3. Washroom & Wheelchair Accessible

Each and every one of the coaches has a fully functional, unisex restroom that is OKU-friendly. Coach D has accessible seating reserved for the disabled and the elderly; these seats are located near the restroom, making them more convenient for those who need them.

4. LCD Monitor & CCTV

The LCD displays that are situated at the end of the coach and in the passenger hallway provide passengers with the opportunity to view a movie or documentary to pass the time while travelling. In addition, each and every coach is subjected to stringent and continual surveillance by means of the CCTV system to make certain that your excursion will be one that is risk-free and pleasant throughout its entirety.

5. Power Outlet & Musolla

Last but not least, each and every coach has a power outlet with three pins installed below each passenger seat. And in order to accommodate Muslims, ablution stations have been placed in each of the coaches, so they can use the musolla as well.

ETS Routes

Presently, the ETS route map of ETS services in Malaysia spans from Gemas in Negeri Sembilan to Padang Besar in northern Perlis. The ETS route connects major cities such Kuala Lumpur, Perak, and Penang, making it the most travelled rail line in Malaysia.

There are three concession classes, starting with platinum and going down to silver, so passengers can choose the one that best suits their needs. There will be fewer stops and shorter travel times on the Platinum service, while all stations on the route will be serviced by the Silver service. KL Sentral, Ipoh, Butterworth, and Padang Besar are just some of the stops along our ETS route map in Malaysia. These are well-known tourist hotspots, drawing visitors from all across the country to its many sights.

However, keep in mind:

• ETS Platinum is only available for KL Sentral to Padang Besar or KL Sentral to Padang Besar routes.

• ETS Gold is only available for KL Sentral to Ipoh, Padang Besar to Gemas, and Butterworth to Gemas routes.

• ETS Silver is only available for KL Sentral to Ipoh route.

Below is the tables for the price, amenities based on ETS preference (Platinum, Gold and Silver), and most popular routes for an adult.

Route: KL Sentral – Ipoh / Ipoh – KL Sentral (for an adult)

Route: KL Sentral – Butterworth / Butterworth – KL Sentral (for an adult)

Route: KL Sentral – Padang Besar / Padang Besar – KL Sentral (for an adult)

Do take note, as of November 5th 2022, ETS Silver is still not available for KL Sentral – Butterwoth / Butterworth – KL Sentral route along with KL Sentral – Padang Besar / Padang Besar – KL Sentral route.

Visit KTMB or download the app from the Google Play Store or the App Store for more details on tickets, prices of other routes, and services.

Are you interested in acquiring further knowledge regarding the railways of Malaysia?

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