GEORGE TOWN – A local non-governmental organisation here has urged the government to improve the public transportation system in Penang as this is seen as the only viable solution to the traffic woes here, especially during peak periods.
The Penang Public Transport Users Association (Petua) treasurer Zulfikar Abdul Aziz said that as the state struggles with heavy traffic in the coming days, the full collaboration of state and federal is needed to boost public transportation usage, especially bus services.
“We want an inclusive, safe, comfortable, and efficient transportation system,” he said in a statement.
He said that the suggestion to impose congestion charges for the current traffic dispersal system will not offer a significant reduction in traffic jams because there is currently no comprehensive alternative available.
“Forty years ago, the island had a comprehensive bus public transport system which covered the whole island providing passengers reasonable fares and reliable service besides sustainable business for the four private operators.”
But this was lost when the government decided to monopolise the system by offering only the Rapid Penang stage bus service.
“Rapid Penang routes mostly cover main roads, limited from expanding into smaller roads due to the use of large buses and shortage of it. Service on main roads must be complemented by a transport covering first-last-mile(FLM) to make the final destination journey on foot a reasonable distance.”
He suggested that the state considers using school buses that have completed their tasks to be deployed to help passengers marooned in the FLM situations.
They can provide short rides, especially for aged and disabled passengers.
The simple, humble bus is still widely used throughout the world to deliver comprehensive, sustainable public transport services.
He added that Penang needs to pursue and prioritise the bus as the main transportation mode for people on both the island and Seberang Prai. – The Vibes, January 23, 2023
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