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City Guide - Kuala Lumpur - Getting Around | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Getting Around Public Transport Kuala Lumpur has a fast, efficient and cheap public transport system. Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) (tel: (03) 22 72 28 28; web site www.ktmb.com.my) operates two KTM Komuter lines. These high-speed electric trains run from Sentual to Pelabuhan Klang and Rawang to Seremban. Fares depend on the distances travelled and cost RM1.50-RM5.50 for a single journey. Return fares and 12 trip tickets are also available. Each station has an easy-to-use ticket machine. There are also two Light Transit Railway (LTR) lines in the city. These mainly elevated electric trains are run by two separate conglomerates. Star LTR trains run south from Sentul to Sukan Negara and Ampang in the east. Putra LTR trains run between Gombak in the northeast of the city to Subang Jaya on Kuala Lumpur's western outskirts. Fares depend on which company is operating the service and distances travelled (RM0.50-RM4.50 for a single journey). Each station has an easy-to-use ticket machine. Cityliner (tel: (03) 782 6904) and Intrakota (tel: (03) 707 7771) are the main providers of Kuala Lumpur's comprehensive and highly complex bus service. Each company operates a different fare system (RM0.50-RM1). Bus route maps are displayed at many bus stops throughout the city. An elevated People Mover Rapid Transit Monorail (PRT) (tel: (03) 22 72 38 01) is currently under construction and is due to be completed by 2002. The PRT monorail will serve destinations from Jalan Tun Razak (near Pekeliling Bus Station) to Kampung Pasir on Kuala Lumpur's southwestern outskirts. Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station is also currently under construction. Once completed this will integrate the rail services. Taxis Taxis can be pre-booked from KL Taxi (tel: (03) 221 4241), or hailed on the street. Pre-ordered taxis incur a surcharge of RM1. All taxis have meters, which most drivers willingly use. The meter rate starts at RM2 for the first two kilometres and rises RM0.10 for each subsequent 200m. Journeys made between 0000-0600 incur a 50% surcharge. Surcharges of RM1 for each piece of luggage carried in the car boot and RM0.20 for more than two passengers are also levied. Passengers are responsible for any road tolls incurred. Tips are not generally expected or given. Taxi drivers touting for business at main transport terminals should be avoided. Limousines These can be hired at the airport, luxury hotels and through private hire companies including: Cvt Limousine Service (tel: (03) 245 0882) and SMAS Limousine (tel: (03) 244 5577). Limousines to the city from Kuala Lumpur International Airport cost: RM90-95. Driving in the City Driving in Kuala Lumpur is not as hair-raising as driving in other Asian cities such as Bangkok. The roads are in good condition and driving standards are quite high. However, the maze of one-way systems that comprise the city centre and the large number of fuel-choked traffic jams make patience and a good road map essential requirements. Car parks are generally located at large hotels and city centre shopping malls. Three central public car parks are Asia Park on Jalan Bukit Bintang, and the two car parks behind the Dorsett Regency Hotel just off Jalan Imbi (opening times 0700 - 0100; cost: RM2 for the first hour and then RM1.50 for each subsequent hour). Car Hire A national driving licence is required to hire a car in Malaysia, it is also advisable to hold an International Driving Permit. Age limits apply and drivers must usually be at least 23 years old and have held a full driving licence for two years. Major providers include: Avis (tel: (03) 242 4693), Hertz (tel: (03) 925 8383) and Thrifty (tel: (03) 230 2591). Hire of a standard saloon car costs from RM150 per day and RM940 per week. |
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