Good news for all cycling enthusiasts.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu has introduced special charter trains or the Express Bicycle Coach (XKB) which allows cyclists to bring along their bicycles to their desired destinations.

KTMB chief executive officer Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin said they introduced the service to give cycling enthusiasts a new and unique experience by venturing further into the countryside.

“It will also give the public a chance to travel in a diesel locomotive as opposed to the electric train services.

“Those interested can explore interesting cycling locations along the KTMB train route throughout the country, including Thailand,” he said.

This was made possible with cooperation from the State Railway of Thailand.

“This would indirectly make their trip a safer journey apart from being less tiring because they don’t have to drive to a farther location,” he said.

During the launch of the new service recently, some 150 participants were invited to take a ride on the XKB from the Kuala Lumpur station to the Tanjung Malim station before cycling for almost four hours over a distance of 49 kilometers via Sungai Bil – Behrang Ulu – Sungai Dara – Sungai Bil and back to the Tanjung Malim station.

The bicycle coach that was introduced was originally a modified passenger seat coach that could accommodate 60 bicycles at a time.

“For now, we have prepared three bicycle coaches and the bicycles will be placed on special equipment to ensure they remain stable during the journey.

“We have also added an ADNS coach (Air-conditioned Day/Night Second) or a sitting coach that can accommodate 60 passengers in the XKB package,” he said, adding that the XKB service was a gesture to show support for the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS).

He said the rental cost depends on the type of coach and the travel distance based on the needs and wants of the customers which are offered at an affordable price.