SEVEN vans have been deployed for Rapid Bus’ Rapid On-Demand (ROD) service in Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Rapid Bus acting chief executive officer Ku Jamil Zakaria said the ROD service was launched in Bayan Lepas on April 27, followed by Bayan Baru on May 31, bringing the total number of service zones in Penang to 13.
“We’ve deployed four vans in Bayan Lepas and three in Bayan Baru and plan to add more vehicles to these zones moving forward,” he said during a promotional ride in Bayan Baru.
Ku Jamil said initial response to the ROD initiative in Penang had been encouraging, showing potential for further development.
He added that 200 passengers on average daily had used the ROD service in Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas since its launch.
He saw great potential in the Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru areas, especially with the emergence of new developments such as Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the expansion of Penang International Airport.
“We believe the ROD service will likely lead to an increase in the number of passengers using Rapid Penang.
“Given the growth potential, we plan to deploy additional vans in both areas to meet future demand.
“We hope the stakeholders involved in the ongoing developments can help promote this service to the public, so more passengers will be encouraged to try out the ROD service,” he said.
The ROD service, first introduced in Farlim in Aug 1 last year, he said, was currently operating with a fleet of 50 vans.
Between January and June this year, the service recorded an average daily ridership of 2,520 passengers.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and well-suited for the area’s growing needs.
He said the ROD service could encourage more people to make it their primary mode of transport.
“This service offers flexibility and accessibility, especially in areas not fully covered by regular bus routes.
“It can help reduce reliance on private vehicles and ease traffic congestion in the long run.”
Sim said Penang would soon see two major infrastructure projects – the airport expansion and construction of Mutiara LRT – both of which were expected to significantly disrupt traffic flow.
He said the introduction of the ROD service was a proactive move to address these challenges.
“I believe this service is coming in at the right time to offer practical solutions.
“And I strongly urge drivers, workers and residents in the area to be part of the solution, by using and supporting this service,” he added.
