Review: Ipoh – Butterworth – Ipoh Electric Train Service
The Ipoh to Butterworth and KL Sentral to Padang Besar electric train services were launched on July 10, 2015. However, it was only last week that I had an opportunity to check out the service when I took the train from Ipoh to Butterworth and its return journey.
I was in no hurry to try the train since I figured it would be similar to the Ipoh – KL Sentral service which I have travelled on numerous occasions.
To my pleasant surprise, these train coaches are not exactly the same. Perhaps more modern, I would say. WiFi is available on the train although I didn’t try to connect to it.
Also, I couldn’t see any power point. Neither did I bend my head under my seat to search for it, nor did I spot anyone else using a laptop during my two rides.
The lavatory is basic and not as nice or spacious as the Ipoh – KL Sentral shuttle. Nonetheless, there is a disabled-friendly unit on one of the coaches.
If you are a regular commuter, don’t expect much from on-board entertainment. It still shows the usual Mr. Bean or Tom and Jerry cartoons, and sometimes Harry Potter movies.
The television set displays the speed of the train and even the next stop. However, it doesn’t indicate the estimated time of arrival at this next station. Conversely, I think this should be useful information.
Anyway, the average speed is about 140 km/h. And speaking to friends, my trip of about 100 +/- minutes from Ipoh to Butterworth is great time clocked. My fare per trip was RM33, which I assumed to be Gold class.
All right, if you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment. For schedule and fare, refer to this POST.
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I took ETS from KL to Ipoh before and it’s really convenient though. =)
for those who wan to avoid the jam, can use this!!! very convenient
I want to try to travel by the ets later too. Somehow good if you just want to have a quiet journey with different scenery changes.
ETS is very nice and okay than bus. Sometimes , bus struck in the traffic jam during celebration season. It depends on long hours – 6-7 hours. So we better take ETS train la.
wow!!! great post to share!! it great post which shows us how can we improve our public transport system!!! very well organized rail system….
My friends has been taking this train service when she back to her hometown! It was really convenient, fast and comfortable!
Wow! Looks very clean! I didn’t know it has such service in Ipoh lol!
love train services. always take them whenever i travel back to my hometown Penang – can skip the jam on north south highway!
It has been a long long time since I last try KTM, wow now they have such a hi-tech electric train already.
Been hearing so many good reviews about this ETS, would like to experience one day too 🙂
heard about this service, haven’t had the opportunity to try it out
Wow~ it looks like so convenient~
Would like to try it when I got the chance!
i always opt for train if not driving when travelling, now so easy can travel to ipoh and butterworth with this
I want to try one day! If lazy to drive and this option is good choice .