PKR Terengganu chairman Azan Ismail’s claim that the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) passenger tickets will be six times of air fares is purely speculative, baseless and devoid of facts.
The ECRL passenger fare structure will be similar to the Malayan Railways Limited (KTMB) fare structure, in which will be affordable to the public for those living in the east coast all the way to the Klang Valley. The estimated passenger fare structure will be based on the railway scheme, per the Land Public Transport Act.
Practically, the ECRL fare structure will be calculated to ensure it is competitive and affordable, at the same time cost-effective for its operation and maintenance. Most importantly, it should not pose any undue burden to the public.
The Government has no intention to develop new public transport infrastructure that does not serve the public well, much less charge exorbitant fares to them.
In recovering the development costs of the ECRL, there will be other businesses that should generate revenue in tandem with the cargo component to serve a multitude of industries from manufacturing to fabrication, which should comprise more than 70% of ECRL’s revenue source once it is expected to be operative in 2027.
Similar to other railway lines operating in Malaysia, the ECRL fare structure will need to obtain the Government’s approval prior to its operation.
This is in line with the Land Public Transport Act’s requirements and the Railway Operator License under the purview of the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) as the regulator. – May 7, 2022
Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong is the Malaysian Transport Minister.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
