KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 ― Cycling enthusiasts can now explore
further experience including in the countryside with the introduction of
special charter trains or the Express Bicycle Coach (XKB).
The new service by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB)
allows cycling enthusiasts to bring along their bicycles into the specially
prepared coach to their desired destination to start cycling.
KTMB chief executive officer Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin said
the service was introduced to give hardcore cycling enthusiasts a new and
unique experience besides fulfilling the demand from passengers who want to
relive the experience of diesel locomotive services as opposed to electric
train services.
“When taking the train, they can explore interesting cycling
locations along the KTMB train route throughout the country, including Thailand
through the cooperation of the State Railway of Thailand.
“This would indirectly make their trip a safer journey apart
from being less tiring because they don't have to drive to a farther location,”
he told reporters after the launch of the new service here recently.
At the launch, some 150 participants were invited to take a
ride on the XKB from the Kuala Lumpur station to the Tanjung Malim station
before cycling for almost four hours over a distance of 49 kilometers via
Sungai Bil - Behrang Ulu - Sungai Dara - Sungai Bil and cycling back to the
Tanjung Malim station.
Mohd Rani Hisham added that the bicycle coach that was
introduced was originally a modified passenger seat coach that could
accommodate 60 bicycles at a time.
“For now, we have prepared three bicycle coaches and the
bicycles will be placed on special equipment to ensure they remain stable
during the journey.
“We have also added an ADNS coach (Air-conditioned Day/Night
Second) or a sitting coach that can accommodate 60 passengers in the XKB
package,” he said and added that the XKB service was a gesture to show support
for the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS).
He said the rental cost depends on the type of coach and the
travel distance based on the needs and wants of the customers which are offered
at an affordable price.
“We also provide rental of special coaches with different
facilities such as leisure coaches, conference coaches, special salon coaches,
sleeper coaches and buffet coaches which can be accompanied by a bicycle coach
according to the customer's request,” he said adding that they were prepared to
collaborate with event organisers or promoters.
For cycling enthusiast, Dr Razul Ikmal Ramli who in his 40s,
the XKB service was a good effort in encouraging more people to venture into
the sport as it facilitates travelling as well as saves time and energy.
“Every facility provided is very organised in fact KTMB also
provides a special route for cycling, thus allowing fans to enjoy the beauty of
the location while promoting the tourism activities available in the area.
“After all, cycling is a recreational activity that promotes
green mobility in an effort to maintain a green environment,” said Dr Razul,
who is also Mata Hati Malaysia’s secretary.
Meanwhile, bank officer Mohd Saleh Zakaria, 50, plans to use
the service during a trip with his cycling club, Santai Riders Cycling Club to
the east coast at the end of the year.
“Earlier we rented a bus when we had a cycling trip from
Perlis to Hatyai, Thailand, perhaps after this, we will try to take the train.
“I'm sure if we were to drive, it will be tiring and we will
run out of energy to ride later,” he said.
YouTube content provider Mohammad Jazlan Nangar, 34,
described the service as a golden opportunity for folding bike enthusiasts to
ride as a group.
“The presence of this bicycle coach gives us more options,
especially when cycling in a group outside the Klang Valley,” said Jazlan who
has been involved in cycling since 2014. ― Bernama
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