GEORGE TOWN – A retired top executive of Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) said the authorities could use experienced hands like himself to help turn the traditional ferry service around, following the move to restrict it to only motorcyclists and cyclists.
The official, who preferred not to be named, expressed surprise and puzzlement over the restriction before the service is phased out completely and replaced by other vessels.
He said he does not understand the logic behind refusing to allow the ferries to carry other vehicles as was done previously.
“Why has the management rejected and refused to earn revenue by allowing vehicles on the upper decks of the iconic ferries?” he said, stressing that the ferries need not use extra fuel to take on more vehicles.
“If there is demand for vehicles to use the ferries, then the management can increase the fleet (size).
“I strongly feel that motorists will return to use the ferries if the waiting time is shortened.”
In the past, the management made an attempt to discourage cars and other four-wheel vehicles from using the ferries by raising the ticket price (applicable for the journey from the mainland to the island only) from RM7 to RM7.70, which is the same amount drivers would pay to cross using the Penang Bridge.
The retired executive said each ferry has an eight-member crew, and such manpower and fuel could be put to more optimum use by allowing the ferry to take more vehicles across the Penang Channel.
The Penang Port Commission (PPC) late last month announced that the ferry service would no longer be available to foot passengers and cars on December 31. Catamaran speedboats were then introduced on January 1 to carry pedestrians.
PPC also announced that PPSB would take over the ferry operations from Rapid Ferry on New Year’s Day.
It has ordered new water buses and transporters to carry motorcyclists and foot passengers. The fleet is expected to arrive in mid-2022.
The cross-channel service starts at 6.30am and ends at 11pm daily, with a trip every 20 to 30 minutes – or up to 27 round trips per day.
State transport and infrastructure exco Zairil Khir Johari recently said the Penang government is willing to keep the ferry service going if PPC hands over the fleet to the state as a “gift” to the people of Penang.
He said the state administration understands the sentiments of Penangites, who consider the ferries a state symbol and want the service maintained.
Zairil said a state exco meeting on January 6 decided to consider continuing the service should the federal government discontinue it.
He said he will meet PPC officials soon to discuss the state’s proposal to maintain the ferry service. – The Vibes, January 18, 2021
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