RECENT letters in various newspapers have complained about the ticketing and fare collection methods used by RapidKL and KTM Komuter.
The descriptions of long queues and breakdowns remind me of the first few months I spent in Malaysia.
When I first arrived, I noticed what PUTRA offered was a smart card option called the Touch 'n Go card.
But back then I did not think it would be useful for me, because it seemed to be mostly for drivers and I did not use PUTRA services very often.
In June, last year, I learned that Touch 'n Go would be expanded to include the STAR LRT and KTM Komuter service.
I immediately bought a Touch 'n Go card, and since then, using trains has been very easy.
Soon RapidKL will expand Touch 'n Go to all buses. I hope that dealing with change and jams and queues and problems with ticket vending machines will become a thing of the past.
Yet, when I pass through the gates these days, I always wondered why most people do not use the Touch 'n Go card.
I think I know the reasons why: the card is not widely available, it is not really used beyond transportation, and there are not enough promotions.
The Hong Kong Octopus card is the best example of how a smart card like Touch 'n Go can be used.
The Octopus card can be used on eight separate transport systems (including buses, rail, tram, and ferries).
More importantly, it can be used to make purchases at various outlets.
In addition, the different operators that use the Octopus card offer regular promotions and discounts for users, such as bonus trips and restaurant discounts.
There are also various Octopus cards options available for tourists and visitors
Touch 'n Go offers none of this. There are no discounts. In fact, sometimes Touch 'n Go users have to pay more for using their card.
There are no bonuses or promotions. There is nothing special available for tourists.
I am especially surprised by this. With Visit Malaysia Year coming up so soon, I have heard nothing about a special commemorative Touch 'n Go card, or a Touch 'n Go card for tourists.
A huge opportunity is being missed. It is time for Touch 'n Go service to be expanded.
MOAZ YUSUF AHMAD,
Subang Jaya.
RE: RESPONSE TO LETTER HEADLINED “EXPAND TOUCH ‘n GO SERVICE” PUBLISHED IN THE STAR OPINION SECTION (PAGE N38) ON 17 NOV 2006.
On behalf of Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd) the operator of Touch ‘n Go, thank you for sharing your invaluable ideas with us.
Following to your comments in the above newspaper, allow us to respond to the issues highlighted:
1.
Promotional Activities
Extensive promotions and publicities were done with regards to the availability of Touch ‘n Go services on both the STAR and Putra LRT, and KTM Komuter. These programs include:
•
road shows at several locations in the city centre, KTM stations and Rest and Service Areas (RSA) along various highways.
•
distribution of educational and awareness flyers at LRT stations and KL Sentral.
•
distribution of educational and awareness flyers at KTM stations.
With vast usage of the Touch ‘n Go at the STAR and Putra LRT, a new Touch ‘n Go product was recently introduced by RapidKL, which is the LRT Season Pass, offering unlimited travel for RM90 per month.
2.
Reload facilities
The Touch ‘n Go sales and reload counters are now available at:
•
various point-of-sales (POS) along the highways
•
STAR and Putra LRT stations
•
participating Petronas stations
•
Maybank and BCB ATMs
•
Maybank and AmBank cash deposit machines (CDM), and
•
more than 1,000 distributors and agents nationwide.
Additionally, customers can also walk-in to our new Touch ‘n Go Hub and Drive-Thru Kiosk located at our head office in Faber Towers, Jalan Kelang Lama.
Moving forward, more promotional activities and aggressive advertising programs on ground as well as in both print and electronic media are in the pipeline to further promote usage of Touch ‘n Go. Touch ‘n Go will also be working closely with Tourism Malaysia to further promote inbound tourism in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
