GETTING to Penang Hospital will soon become easier for patients and visitors with the introduction of a free shuttle bus service under the Rapid Penang Central Area Transit (CAT) system.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will roll out the CAT Hospital route on Jan 1 next year, at an estimated annual cost of RM1.7mil.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the service aims to encourage the use of public transport, ease congestion and address the shortage of parking spaces at the hospital.
“The route will cover an 8km stretch from Komtar to Penang Hospital, with stops at three hospital buildings, a government health clinic and several schools along the way,” he said during the council’s full board meeting.
Three buses will be allocated for the service, operating at 20 to 30-minute intervals on weekdays.
Stops include Komtar, Jalan Macalister Health Clinic, JKP Tower, Padang Brown, City Stadium, Island Hospital, Penang Hospital, Penang Nursing College and Loh Guan Lye Hospital.
Rajendran said the initiative is also in line with MBPP’s Age-Friendly City to make Penang more inclusive and accessible for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The move has been welcomed by community groups and residents.
Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) Jelutong chairman and past president of Rose Charities Malaysia Datuk Seri Lawrence Cheah described it as a “noble and commendable” step that would bring tangible benefits to the elderly.
Cheah: New CAT Hospital route will ease traffic congestion and encourage more people to use public transport.
“This thoughtful initiative will greatly ease traffic congestion, encourage more people to use public transport and provide an efficient transport system for all.
“It is especially beneficial for senior citizens who often struggle walking long distances to hospitals or government offices,” he said, noting that many elderly visitors to the Social Welfare Department currently have to walk some 500m from the nearest bus stop.
Cheah said the new route was aligned with Penang’s goal of becoming a truly age-friendly and inclusive city.
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) also welcomed the initiative, saying that many people have long complained about the difficulty of getting to the hospital due to limited public transport and parking spaces.
Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said some left home very early to secure a parking space.
“CAP hopes the council will increase the pick-up points, especially in low-cost housing areas, and ensure that drop-off points are located close to hospital registration counters.
“Given the current rainy season, walking distances should be minimised for the convenience and safety of commuters,” he said.
Mohideen also called on other local councils to follow MBPP’s example by introducing free shuttle services to key public facilities.
“Such free shuttle services should also be extended to other government agencies for the benefit of the public,” he added.
Retiree Gurmeet Kaur said the initiative was a good move but called for better long-term planning to ensure sustainability.
“Parking has always been a problem at Penang Hospital and e-hailing fares can be costly during peak hours.
“However, MBPP should also look into extending such services to areas like Pengkalan Weld and Bayan Baru,” she said.
Gurmeet, who sometimes takes the bus to go to the hospital, suggested Rapid Penang deploy shuttle vans for senior citizens to make the service more age-friendly.
She also urged MBPP to seek regular community feedback, adding that “many good initiatives lose momentum over time without public input and proper follow-up”.
