THE Transport Ministry has no plans to scrap Rapid Penang’s shuttle stage bus services as they still play a key role in the state’s public transportation infrastructure.
Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the stage bus services form a critical component in ferrying commuters through main public routes.
"It is here to stay as it complements other forms of public transport," said Loke when visiting Rapid Penang’s corporate office.
Earlier this year, Rapid Penang, a subsidiary of the public transport utility government - linked company Prasarana, launched the Rapid on Demand (RoD) service for less assessable routes in Penang.
The RoD is similar to the Grab ride sharing service, where commuters book online and a van would pick them up from a designated waiting area and send them to locations within a zone.
The RoD has generated a growing demand and it is now available in 13 zones throughout Penang - seven on the island and six in the mainland Prai.
On an average, it picks and transports 1,945 passengers from housing estates to semi-rural villages.
The average commute time is 16 minutes while waiting time is averaged at 19 minutes and it is popular among senior citizens, as the fare is only RM1.
The app can be downloaded from the Rapid Penang social media sites.
Loke said there are now 50 vans operating in 13 zones across the state.
He said 150 drivers have been appointed to work in two shifts and one additional shift.
The most popular routes are in Tanjung Bungah and Gurney Drive, with an average of over 522 passengers daily.
This is followed by George Town and the Sunway area in Seberang Jaya.
“We hope that with this service, it will encourage more people to take public transport as this provides the first mile, last mile connectivity,” he said.
Loke said that the service can be expanded if the demand is encouraging. - June 11, 2025.
