GEORGE TOWN – Operators of the new ferries plying the Penang Strait have been asked to consider rescheduling the services based on demand.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this to Penang Port Sdn Bhd chief Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan following complaints which KTM train commuters had voiced out to The Vibes.
The commuters had said that they find it difficult to catch a ferry if they arrive on the evening ETS train service which only reaches Butterworth around 10pm.
The new ferries now only operate from 6am to 8.30pm daily for now.
“The ministry is receptive to the changes, but it all depends on the supply and demand factors,” said Loke after inspecting the new ferries here today.
He said that the rail and ferry services are part of the integrated Penang public transport network, which consists of public stage buses, ride sharing services, conventional taxis, and rented cars as well as personal transports.
The main places hosting the traffic disbursement are Penang Sentral, the ferry terminal, and the Weld Quay public bus station beside Komtar.
The new Dutch-designed ferries are likely to make their debut here on August 7, replacing the iconic double-decker ferries, which are alleged to have outlasted their lifespan.
Despite the sentimental value for the ageing ferries, which are now left saddled at the Prai river mouth, pending a decision by the ministry, Loke said that for now his concern is about the new ferries.
The fares have yet to be decided but for the first month, it would be complementary to all ferry users, including foreigners.
According to Sasedharan, 95% of the commuters are regulars, who use it for work.
The new ferries can accommodate up to 130 passengers per ride and 50 motorcyclists as well as cyclists.
There are four ferries operating now, of which one is placed on standby, while the other three will take turns to ferry the mostly foot passengers across the channel.
The ride will only be 10 minutes unlike the previous iconic ones, which took 20 minutes.
The unique aspect of the ferries is that they have their own ramps, and do not need to turn around when plying back and forth across the 13km-long channel.
It can navigate forward and back or even turnout or sideways with ease, while the safety features are high from fire fighting equipment onboard and enclosed cabins to prevent anyone from falling overboard.
It is designed in a catamaran mould, said Loke, who added that the federal government had allocated RM30 million to PPSP to purchase the vessels in 2019.
The total cost is RM50 million, said Sasedharan.
During the peak hours, it will travel every 30 minutes and for the next few weeks, the PPSP boat pilots would undergo training to familiarise themselves with the new vessels.
The Marine Department will then certify the catamarans as seaworthy before they commence their official commercial trips next month, Loke said. – The Vibes, July 8, 2023
