You will soon be able to pay for your KTM train rides with credit cards. This was revealed by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to SoyaCincau.com through a written response to our report regarding the recent addition of debit cards as one of the supported payment methods for KTM Komuter services in Klang Valley and the Nothern region.
In the report, we have noted that Komuter only accepts MyDebit-branded debit cards for the time being. This is despite what Transport Minister Anthony Loke has said at the Parliament last month.
In the statement to SoyaCincau.com, the rail operator has explained why the card scope is limited to just MyDebit at the moment. In addition to that, KTMB has also shared some of its upcoming plans concerning the open payment system.
MyDebit is the first step in KTMB’s approach to open payment system
KTMB noted that its newly upgraded Automated Control Gates (ACGs) have been fitted with two types of readers. One of them is a QR code reader for users that utilise KTM Wallet inside the KTMB Mobile app while the other reader is meant for payment cards.
As the payment cards involved backend processing by payment service providers, KTMB has decided to take a staggered approach to “ensure the stability of each payment mode”. KTM stations will eventually accept payments with other types of debit cards including those issued by foreign banks although KTMB did not reveal when exactly that will take place.
The RM30 pre-authorisation hold on MyDebit card payments
In our previous report, we also discussed the RM30 pre-authorisation hold that would be imposed on your MyDebit card when you use it to pay for your Komuter rides. We noted that this may have to do with the service’s maximum single journey fare and this has been confirmed by KTMB in the same written reply.
KTMB has also reiterated to us that any balance from the pre-authorisation hold would be refunded back to customers within one to three days. The exact refund period depends on the policies of the respective issuing banks.
Credit card support coming later this month
The rail company is also implementing credit card support at all KTM stations. KTMB said that the public will be able to pay for their train rides with credit cards by the end of November 2023.
That being said, the company didn’t specify whether the support is limited to cards issued by local banks or will also cover foreign credit cards. It did say “all credit card usage” though, so we assumed that KTMB will likely accept most credit cards from local and foreign financial institutions.
Apple Pay and Samsung Pay support is also on the cards
The statement from KTMB contained one little surprise: users will also be able to pay for their train rides using Apple Pay and Samsung Pay at all KTM stations in the near future. The exact launch date was not revealed in the statement but KTMB said that this will happen sometime in early 2024.
The rail operator said that it is committed to improving customer experience and the expansion of its cashless payment system initiatives is part of this commitment. After all, the expansion aims to simplify the ticketing experience and provide flexibility for its passengers.
