In a festive gesture for Thaipusam, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that commuters will enjoy free KTM Komuter rides on January 24 and 25. Adding to the convenience, these trains will operate around the clock from January 23 to 26.
Free KTM komuter rides covering 28 stations
According to coverage from The Star, this special service will run on the Batu Caves-Pulau Sebang-Batu Caves route and the Batu Caves-Port Klang-Batu Caves route, covering a total of 28 stations. To manage the expected increase in passengers, KTM will add 72 additional trains, with 33 for the Batu Caves-Pulau Sebang route and 39 for the Batu Caves-Port Klang route.
The additional services will start from 9.55 pm on January 23 from Pulau Sebang to Batu Caves, and from 11.39 pm for the Port Klang to Batu Caves route. Notably, there will be direct trips from Port Klang to Batu Caves after midnight, ensuring seamless travel for late-night commuters.
Besides, free rides will be provided to Klang Valley commuter users on January 25. With an estimated 250,000 passengers expected to use these services, peak usage is anticipated on January 25. The Batu Caves commuter station’s proximity to the celebration site adds to the convenience for attendees.
Further enhancing connectivity, additional train services will be implemented for Electric Train Services (ETS) between the north and central peninsula from January 24-26. This includes two trips each from Butterworth, Penang to KL Sentral and back, and from Padang Besar, Perlis to Kuala Lumpur and back.
Free RapidKL bus services are also planned in Kuala Lumpur and Penang on January 24 and 25. These buses will run from Pasar Seni LRT station, Gombak LRT station, and Kampung Batu MRT station to Batu Caves.
Finally, the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) has completed repairs on the passenger walkway from the commuter station to Batu Caves, ensuring a smooth experience for the public.
The initiatives taken for Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves emphasize the government’s commitment to supporting grand religious events and encouraging the use of public transport.
