no seats on malaysian train



with the stringent checks at the causeway and the resultant massive jams, many malaysians, as well as some singaporeans, have taken to travelling by train. however, this increase in ridership has created another problem - not enough seats on the train.

the ticketing offices at the train stations are overselling, that means, the number of tickets sold exceeds the number of seats available on the train. the passengers have been advised to accept the offer as the alternative is to take the next scheduled train. but, as the number of services is limited, one may end up taking the next day's train.

those who are on short journeys would rather stand, even when they have paid in full for a valid ticket, than take the next train where there is no guarantee that seats will be available. a malaysian friend, who visited india recently, commented: malaysian trains are becoming like the trains in india where you see a lot of standing passengers.

if you are purchasing your train ticket from tanjong pagar, singapore, note that they do not accept credit cards, nets or cash cards. if you buy your tickets online, you will be charged in singapore dollars. so, like taking the bus, it is better to pay in malaysian ringgits if you are boarding the train in malaysia.

for travel on malaysian trains, those who are aged 55 and above pay a concession rate, regardless of your nationality.