THREE backbenchers have called for public transport provider - Rapid Penang to improve its unique on-demand van ride service at the state legislative today.
The three assemblymen from the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition however, agreed that the van option is now an added beneift for the state.
Wong Yuee Harng (Pengkalan Kota-PH) said he has filed complaints over the long travelling and waiting times.
The on-demand service by van works by fetching passengers from one poor accessible location to their destination.
The passengers book the service like any other common ride hailing service and the van will come to the exact location to pick up those who subscribe to the service.
"The concept is good but unfortunately, some passengers end up waiting up to 40 minutes."
Wong proposed for the inclusion of another 50 vans to supplement the existing 50 which ply the entire island since it was first launched earlier this year.
His remarks drew support from Teh Lai Heng (Komtar-PH), who said that he tried the service and found that it took longer than advertised to pick people up.
"More vans should be deployed to make the service effective."
Teh said that the service is now available in 13 zones throughout the island but it seems to only be working seamlessly in Pulau Tikus and George Town where they are able to meet the demand.
Ong Ah Teong (Batu Lanchang-PH) urged Rapid Penang to provide more information on the service and also reduce the waiting time, especially during rush hours where those using it, are likely to be office workers.
"This can finally be the best option to encourage road users to opt for public transport in Penang."
The island state is now notorious in terms of congestion, especially during the school and public holidays.
The service aims to bridge the gap for passengers living in areas with limited access to existing bus routes, providing a direct link to the transportation network.
Passengers can book a ride through the Kummute app, allowing for flexible scheduling and convenient access to transportation and it allows cashless payments.
It operates from 7am until 11pm daily.
Meanwhile, Gooi Hsiao Leung (Bukit Tengah - PH), also urged the relevant authorities to upgrade social amenities at the KTM rail stations.
He echoed what Wong was advocating that the KTM train terminals are woefully inadequate to serve senior citizens, as there no escalators nor adequate elevators.
Also, there is a distance between the ferry jetty terminal to the KTM station at Butterworth, said Gooi.
State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari (Tanjung Bungah-PH), who oversees transport, said that he would look into the issues raised and provide inputs during the rounding up session. - May 19, 2025.
