THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has green lighted a trial run for electric public stage buses, believed to be the first of their kind in the country.
George Town Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the buses will run for six months starting December.
The electric buses will ply on the shuttle bus route serviced by Rapid Penang, Rajendran said after a council meeting.
The operator, SKS Coachbuilders Sdn Bhd, will run the service free of charge for six months as MBPP aims to promote alternative transport modes as part of a green campaign.
The electric bus will navigate the town shuttle route, covering around eight kilometres and making 18 stops, during office hours, Rajendran added.
Meanwhile, MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong said the council was still studying the proposal to bar foreigners from preparing the state's street food for sale. The aim is to preserve authenticity and quality, particularly for tourists who visit the state to sample the dishes.
Cheong said a study was needed to consider the implications of preventing foreigners from taking over the hawker stalls and food courts in the state. – August 24, 2024.