KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Trains will have entertainment and come with Internet access when new coaches are put into use in about three years.

KTM Berhad general manager (Intercity Services) Sarbini Tijan said the extra services was aimed at attracting passengers, especially the young and group travellers to use the railway.

He also said other services offered on board included entertainment such as live shows and movies in a mobile cineplex.

"Even tele-match and other games, birthday parties and karaoke sessions could be organised on board," he said.

"The rail service would be more enjoyable besides providing a safer journey."

He said the new coaches are expected to arrive from Korea in 2010.

The eight sets of four coaches comprising four units each cost a total of RM240mil.

He was speaking to reporters at a press conference on the launching SMS mobile ticketing service at KL Sentral yesterday.

Working with Yomobile Sdn Bhd on this ticketing service, KTM is charging RM2.50 for booking and confirming the departure date, time and ticket collection.

All a passenger needs to do is to send SMS via mobile phone by typing KTM and send to 32425.

Yomobile chairman Datin Salina Ahmad said the charges do not include standard charges by telephone network operator.

For long-term bookings of between one or two months, tickets must be collected within seven days before the day of trip. For short-term bookings, tickets must be collected two days before the day of trip. -The Star, ANN