Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has received two of 10 Electric Train Service (ETS) train sets as part of an acquisition exercise worth RM400 million, and these are expected to be gradually deployed for operation from next year, Bernama has reported.
Both of the new ETS train sets are currently undergoing testing and commissioning, and the acquisition of the new train sets is aimed at enhancing the quality and capacity of the ETS service, said ETS and Intercity Services general manager Nurul Azha Mokmin.
“ETS passenger numbers grew by about 10% annually, indicating high user satisfaction. With the upcoming completion of the Gemas (Negri Sembilan) to Johor Bahru (Johor) route, KTMB plans to expand ETS services to several new destinations,” Nurul Azha said.
A total of 10 train sets for the service have been procured, and these will serve on the Gemas-Johor Bahru route starting next year. New routes from Johor Bahru to Butterworth and Padang Besar (Perlis) will also be introduced, she said.
The first of the new, third-generation ETS train sets arrived in Malaysia in April this year, transport minister Anthony Loke said at the time. ETS currently uses Class 91 (first generation, Hyundai Rotem-Mitsubishi Electric) and Class 93 (second generation, CRRC Zhuzhou) trainsets – according to Railway Gazette International, the third-gen trains will be given the designation Class 94.
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