PETALING JAYA: New Express Rail Link (ERL) mobile application is in line with the country's digital economy aspirations, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said the use of digital transactions and going cashless were a blessing in disguise, including for the public transport sector, during the pandemic.

       “The pandemic has been a blessing in disguise in that there is now a greater emphasis on going digital and cashless in our daily transactions, including on public transport.

       “The ERL has been at the forefront of cashless solutions for a while now. Their goals and actions are certainly in line with our country’s aspirations for a digital economy that will benefit commuters and travellers alike,” Dr Wee said at the KLIA Express App launch event live on Facebook on Tuesday (Oct 12).

       The newly-upgraded KLIA Ekspres mobile application allows customers to buy their train tickets more easily with better deals.

       Dr Wee also launched the new EkspreSmiles loyalty programme, which allows customers to collect and redeem points for future purchases.

       To also support the country’s aspiration of reducing its carbon footprint, he encouraged the public to use public transport such as the rail system.

       “Today, it is crucial to recognise the need to fight climate change that is threatening our future generations.

       “One fundamental way we can go green is by taking public rail transport. It is a much greener way to travel,” Dr Wee said.

       As the country is progressing during the National Recovery Plan (NRP), Dr Wee encouraged the public to travel using public transport especially with the latest announcement of a Special RM1 Joyride.

       “ERL will be offering a Special RM1 Joyride event for the public once Klang Valley residents can travel freely again under the NRP.

       “When the time comes, bring along your family members and friends, and support our nation’s recovery,” he said.

       ERL, in a statement on Tuesday, also said that its cashless usage is currently at 55% showing a jump of 16 percentage points in the last four years.

       ERL chief executive officer Noormah Mohd Noor said that the company’s initial target for cashless transactions in 2020 was slowed down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “Nevertheless, we now hope to achieve this target by early next year with the new app, and as we work towards our business recovery and approach our 20th year in service,” she said.

       Noormah also added that with the latest technology through its new application and loyalty programme, it could make customer’s experience more convenient.

       For more information about the new campaign by ERL, visit www.KLIAekspres.com or the KLIA Ekspres Facebook and Instagram pages.