KTMB has announced that it is now charging young passengers the same fare as adults, effectively removing the discounted prices for all school and college students. ― File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) came in for added criticism today after it removed fare concessions for children aged seven and above on its Komuter service, even as it is still fending off attacks over this month’s price increase.

The rail operator announced today that it was now charging young passengers the same fare as adults, effectively removing the discounted prices for all school and college students.

“Ticket prices for children aged seven and above will be charged the adult ticket fare,” the firm said in a tweet today.

Previously, children in school uniforms as well as college and university students with the correct identification qualified for concessions that allowed them to purchase tickets that were nearly half the published rates.

The announcement also comes after the firm raised fares from 11 sen to 15 sen per kilometre on December 2, with commuters expected to fork out up to RM7.10 more for tickets depending on the station stops.

Users on Twitter immediately descended on the firm, pointing out that the law defines those under 18 years old as children.

Some said the firm may as well remove the child concession entirely as the move essentially meant the bulk of those likely to use the train service — students — would no longer enjoy the discounts.

Others accused the firm of profiteering and being insensitive towards the public.

KTMB yesterday sought to defend the fare increase by saying that its service was on time for 97 per cent of the time and safer than riding motorcycles.

The firm added that it will still be running at a loss despite the increase.