The KLIA Transit is a commuter rail service operated by Express Rail Link running between klia2 and KL Sentral, serving all stations in between including KLIA, Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya & Cyberjaya and Bandar Tasik Selatan.
On 13 March 2018, the second generation of trains on the Express Rail Link, the CRRC Changchun Equator EMU, were launched on both KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit services, increasing the frequency of KLIA Transit services from 20 minutes to 15 minutes during weekday peak hours. 4 sets of KLIA Transit Equator EMUs and 2 sets of KLIA Ekspres Equator EMUs were ordered in total. The name Equator EMU is inspired by the fact that “Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is located near the equator”.
The train arrived at 11.42am for the 11.48am departure to KL Sentral.
Don’t fret if the doors close quickly on you – push the button to open the train doors.
Departing from klia2.
9M-AQB on the taxiway, featuring the General Electric (GE) Livery with a locomotive on the starboard side.
Most passengers got off at KLIA.
Heading onwards to the city.
Making a brief stop at Salak Tinggi.
Making a brief stop at Putrajaya & Cyberjaya.
The MRT Sungai Buloh–Serdang–Putrajaya Line‘s viaducts seems to be intruding into the projected Putrajaya Monorail‘s alignment. I guess this means that the Putrajaya Monorail is an abandoned project forever.
Passing by Serdang KTM Komuter Station.
Running parallel with the KTM line and the Sungai Besi Expressway.
Approaching Bandar Tasik Selatan.
The KLIA Transit CRRC Changchun Equator EMU at Bandar Tasik Selatan.
The KLIA Transit CRRC Changchun Equator EMU departing Bandar Tasik Selatan.
I did not have high expectations of this train, but overall, I would say based on passenger comfort, the new KLIA Transit CRRC Changchun Equator EMU is similar to if not on par with the existing Siemens Desiro ET 425 M EMU. The ride was smooth and quiet, the seats were sufficiently comfortable and the TV and announcement sound quality was good.
If there’s one criticism, I would say that the seat would get easily dirty (and some already are) with the plain, light coloured fabric as compared with the patterned design on the KLIA Ekspres Siemens Desiro ET 425 M EMU.
But nonetheless, a good product. Hopefully, with these additional 4 trains, KLIA Transit services can be increased to perhaps 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day for added convenience when travelling to Putrajaya and KLIA as the low 30-minute frequency timetables wouldn’t have to be memorized anymore (or maybe it’s just me who’s memorizing it).