GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government today announced free ferry rides for all Malaysian foot passengers from July 1 to December 31.
Infrastructure and transport exco Zairil Khir Johari in a statement today said this is in line with efforts to encourage the use of public transport in the state.
“This proposal is a follow-up to the My30 travel pass launched on March 1, where the state government financed Rapid Penang’s public bus service, allowing free rides for passengers who subscribed.
“With the latest announcement, the entire public transport network in Penang – water and land – is free of charge.”
He said Malaysian foot passengers need only bring their MyKad, which will be scanned by a device provided by Penang Port Sdn Bhd before they board the ferry.
The initiatives involves an allocation of RM78,000 per month, and saves on the dispensing of some 65,000 tickets each month, he said.
“The total subsidy until December is estimated at RM468,000.
“The state government hopes that absorbing the ferry fare in this critical time can help reduce the burden of travel costs on people who use public transport.”
The Penang ferry service, which also transports vehicles, has connected the mainland in Seberang Prai and the island for 126 years. It will be replaced with pedestrian-only vessels starting January 1 next year.
These ferries will be used up till June 30, 2022, after which they will be replaced with catamarans, or water taxis.
At present, the fare is RM1.20 for adults, while children between 5 and 12 are charged 60 sen. – The Vibes, June 22, 2021
