Do you rely on public transport for your daily commute? If you're someone who's always hopping on trains and constantly having to pull out your identity card or purchase a pass to travel, there’s some good news on the horizon—soon, all that will be a thing of the past.
Next year, Rapid KL's My50 monthly pass users will no longer need to use their MyKad for renewals, thanks to an integration with the Touch 'n Go (TNG) eWallet. The My50 pass, which allows unlimited travel on Rapid KL’s LRT, MRT, monorail, BRT, and buses for RM50 a month, has been available since 2019, but renewals have previously required commuters to visit counters at transit stations with their MyKad. This change, announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, is part of a broader push to enhance the digital system for public transport users.
Loke explained that the decision to move away from MyKad renewals was driven by user feedback, with many commuters finding it inconvenient to rely on their national identification cards, which can easily be misplaced. Once the system is fully integrated, passengers will be able to renew their My50 passes digitally using the TNG eWallet or by scanning a QR code via their smartphones. Additionally, the TNG card will also serve as an alternative for pass holders. The full integration process is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
New Payment Options Coming Soon
In addition to the digital renewal system, Loke confirmed that other alternative payment options will be introduced next year. These options will include the ability to use a TNG card or a smartphone QR code, making it even easier for users to access and manage their My50 pass. The changes are aimed at revolutionizing the public transport payment system, reducing reliance on physical cards, and enhancing user convenience.
Currently, My50 pass holders can renew their passes at LRT, MRT, monorail, and BRT counters, as well as selected bus hubs. However, the new digital system will allow users to renew their passes remotely, saving time and eliminating the need to queue at counters. It’s also worth noting that by renewing your pass via TnG, there will be an RM0.50 reload fee.
One key aspect that remains uncertain is the rollout of open payment systems for the Rapid KL train and bus services. This long-discussed initiative aims to challenge Touch 'n Go's dominance by enabling commuters to pay for their rides directly with credit or debit cards, making the payment process more flexible and convenient. However, the timeline for this change is still unclear, leaving many wondering when this system will finally come into play.
Read: M’sian Govt To Review Touch ‘n Go’s Monopoly System
According to the initial timeline, by February 2025, 50% of the gantries at each station will be upgraded to support credit and debit card payments. The full implementation, covering the remaining gantries, is expected to be completed by August 2025.
New MyTourist Pass Also Launched
Along with the digital advancements for My50, Rapid KL has also introduced the MyTourist Pass, designed to cater to both local and international visitors. This pass offers unlimited travel on Rapid KL’s transit network for one, two, or three days, with prices varying based on the duration of the pass and whether the user is a local or foreign tourist.
These are the available passes (original price)
- Malaysians: 1-day pass (RM20), 2-day pass (RM30), 3-days (RM40)
- Foreigners: 1-day pass (RM40), 2-day pass (RM50), 3-days (RM60)
The MyTourist Pass also offers additional perks, including exclusive discounts at major tourist attractions, shopping centres, and dining spots, such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Zoo Negara, KFC, and more.
To celebrate the launch of the MyTourist Pass, Rapid KL is offering discounted prices for all passes until December 9. These passes can be purchased at LRT, MRT, Monorail, or BRT counters, as well as through the MyRapid PULSE app.
For more details on the My50 and MyTourist Pass, and to keep up to date with the latest announcements, visit the official Rapid KL website here.
Finally, it's exciting to see real progress in our public transportation system! However, it might be wise to keep a power bank handy, as relying on digital passes means a dead battery could quickly turn into a travel setback—especially during a busy commute.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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