The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) presents an opportunity for Malaysia’s public transport system to adopt a more integrated approach, experts say, emphasizing the need for coordination between rail and bus services rather than competition.

Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, chief executive officer of Mara Liner Sdn Bhd, which operates bus routes connecting key locations such as Kuantan, Temerloh, Kuala Terengganu, and Kota Baru, highlighted that the introduction of the ECRL should enhance the existing public transport network. He stressed the importance of creating feeder services, aligning schedules, and improving station accessibility to foster a cohesive transport ecosystem that benefits passengers.

“The ECRL should be part of a more integrated network, supported by feeder services, coordinated schedules, and better station accessibility,” Wan Agyl said. He called for a review of current transport planning and regulatory frameworks focused on ensuring affordability for passengers and sustainability for operators. The goal, he added, is not to eliminate competition but to enable various transport modes to operate efficiently and sustainably.

Wan Agyl emphasized that public transport success should be measured by how well the overall network serves the public, rather than which mode secures more passengers. While acknowledging the advantages the ECRL may offer, he noted express buses are likely to retain their appeal among price-sensitive travelers and those venturing beyond the railway’s reach.

Similarly, Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali, president of the Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association, said it is premature to predict the ECRL’s impact on express bus ridership along the east coast. He pointed out that travel patterns in this region differ significantly from those in the north and south, where express buses saw about a 30% drop after ETS (Electric Train Service) routes launched between Padang Besar and Johor Bahru.

“ECRL does not stop at every major town along the east coast, unlike the ETS,” Mohamad Ashfar noted. He also highlighted that many express bus services operate overnight, allowing passengers to save on accommodation costs while maintaining their schedules—something unlikely with the ECRL.

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak confirmed that ECRL passenger services are expected to run from approximately 6 a.m. to midnight, indicating no overnight train options. Additionally, there are no sleeping berths planned, with business class seating arranged in a 2+2 configuration.

As the ECRL project advances, operators and stakeholders emphasize the importance of integrated transport planning and coordination to maximize the benefits of this national infrastructure investment for Malaysian commuters.