GEORGE TOWN – Penang hopes that its complimentary ferry ride offer for pedestrians will encourage more people to opt for public transport, in an effort to reduce traffic congestion on both sides of the Penang channel subsequently.
There is also hope that such free rides would recapture the glory of the century-old ferry service, which was once the main mode of transport between the island and the mainland prior to the completion of the two bridges in 1985 and 2013.
Starting today until further notice, Penang will fully subsidise ferry rides between Butterworth in Prai with Weld Quay on the island aboard the passenger catamaran ferry service provided by Penang Port Sdn Bhd.
The state has allocated close to RM1 million for this exercise, hoping to convince more people to embrace public transport such as stage buses and ride sharing, said Penang state executive councillor for infrastructure and transportation Zairil Khir Johari.
The free rides began last July on a pilot project to gauge public sentiment.
Although there was no significant shift towards using the ferry service, there is still some optimism about enticing people to commute via public transport, said Zairil.
Pedestrian passengers disembarking from the ferries can also board the RapidPenang stage buses to move around a major part of George Town – Penang’s main government, commercial, trade, and heritage enclave.
The zone is also a tourism hotspot for those seeking to experience the attractions home to a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Speaking after launching an event, Zairil said Penang will absorb the cost of RM78,000 per month from the port operator, which covers 65,000 tickets.
The total subsidy cost is around RM936,000 for next year, said Zairil.
Penang is rivaling the Klang Valley in terms of traffic congestion, particularly during the weekends when domestic travellers flock over to sample the state’s reputation as the top street food haven in the country.
Penang Port chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan said that the port supports the global initiative to reduce carbon emissions.
“It is good to use public transport, especially if one is around the main township area.”
Annually, around 2.2 million pedestrians use the Penang ferry service, which translates to about 63,000 every month – particularly with Penang Sentral in Butterworth being a one-stop centre for public transport from rail to road.
Sasedharan advised travellers to use the ferry service for its tourist-friendly value and public transport to sample the attractions on the island or mainland.
“If the load increases, we will look at increasing the trip frequency. We also need the passengers to abide by the standard operating procedures which we need to adopt in view of the Covid-19 threat,” he said when contacted, adding that the new fleet of ferries is expected to arrive by 2023 from a shipyard in Vietnam.
“It is built using Dutch technology, and it is described as a modern transporter, capable of allowing motorcyclists and cyclists as well as foot passengers onboard.”
Meanwhile, the cruise ship business is expected to formally recommence on Sunday.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong is expected to attend the event. – The Vibes, December 20, 2021
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