Penang aspires to achieve a 40% public transport mode share and the upcoming LRT project is a major step towards achieving this, said state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari.
Meanwhile, he said they would continue promoting the use of Rapid Penang stage buses while the contractor of the mega project completes it in the next five years.
Zairil, who oversees the infrastructure portfolio, said contrary to what certain quarters are alleging, the state extensively promotes the use of public transport, particularly buses.
“Public transport remains an integral part of the ambitious transport masterplan.
"That’s why the state subsidised bus travel - via the free chartered services such as CAT George Town, CAT Bridge, and CAT BM as well as the Pas Mutiara subsidy, which allows any Penangite to subscribe to the monthly unlimited bus pass for free."
Although there is a sizable number of local commuters on the extensive Rapid Penang routes, they are said to be lower than expected with more foreigners and tourists including expatriates utilising the public transport.
"It's a chicken and egg situation with Rapid Penang. For them to justify adding more buses on the road, they need to show ridership numbers.
“On the other hand, it’s hard to increase ridership without more efficient bus services - which means more buses are needed."
He stressed that Rapid Penang can serve the main routes but questions if local commuters prefer to rely on buses rather than their vehicles or motorcycles.
"We do encourage Penangites to take advantage of the bus subsidies and use buses as much as possible."
Earlier, transport specialists proposed that Penang begin limiting car use in the state, as traffic flow is expected to worsen, especially when construction is needed to connect the LRT lines across the island. - January 15, 2025.
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