The London Underground may be one of the most recognisable train systems in the world, but according to two tourists from the UK, Kuala Lumpur’s MRT leaves it in the dust.
From London to KL’s MRT
During their visit to Malaysia, the British couple rode the MRT several times to get around the city.
Posting their thoughts on TikTok via their account @the.backsnackers, they said they couldn’t help but compare it to the Underground back home, a network that’s famous but, in their words, “antique”.
Immediately we were comparing every facet of their newer system to the London Underground’s famous, yet antiquated underground,” they shared.
First impressions: tech and convenience
Their journey on the MRT began with a pleasant surprise; modern technology everywhere. Screens inside each carriage displayed the full train route along with upcoming stations, making navigation far easier than in London.
This led them to notice other commuter-friendly features, such as women-only coaches, which they said were completely absent in the London Underground.
And while “Mind the gap” is an unavoidable phrase for London commuters, the MRT’s minimal gaps and platform screen doors meant they could step on and off trains without worrying about safety.
Why it feels different from London
For the couple, it wasn’t just about design, it was also about reliability.
With the MRT’s fully automated and driverless system, there’s no risk of service disruption from driver strikes, something London has faced repeatedly in recent years.
Where they struggled: buying tickets
However, their MRT experience wasn’t entirely flawless.
When it came to purchasing tickets, they found the process less straightforward. Unlike London, where commuters simply tap a contactless bank card, they had to use ticket machines to get a token.
Some machines even rejected the cash they tried to use, adding to the hassle.
While Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go card offers a solution similar to London’s Oyster card, they weren’t able to get one before their trip, which would have made things easier.
Price and cleanliness seal the deal
Despite these hiccups, the couple agreed that the MRT’s affordability was a game-changer; with fares costing about half of what they’d pay in London.
They were also impressed by how clean and well-maintained both the trains and stations were, saying it far surpassed their expectations.
And then came what they considered the ultimate comfort bonus; air-conditioning in every carriage.
In London, only a handful of Underground trains have it, since cooling the tunnels can make platforms uncomfortably warm.
By the end of their journey, the couple had no doubt that Malaysia’s MRT not only stood up to the London Underground but, in many ways, surpassed it.
Watch the video here:
