Public transport take-up continues to improve in Penang.
Among the users is writer Adrian Loh. He began taking the bus more often about two years ago after growing weary of traffic congestion and the struggle to find parking in George Town.
“While driving took about 20 minutes, I could spend up to an hour just looking for parking.”
Loh said the switch was made easier by frequent bus services near his home.
“The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and I can work on the bus,” he added.
Form Six student Nawreen Nashmiya Nagoor Kani has relied mainly on public buses for school and daily errands since 2023.
She uses the Mutiara Pass (a travel card offering unlimited free rides on Rapid Penang buses).
“With the pass, I don’t have to worry about fares,” she said when met while waiting for a bus at Komtar.
Nawreen said switching from a school bus had cut her monthly travel costs and given her greater flexibility, with frequent service and nearby stops in Jelutong making her commute easier.
Wheelchair user K. Jeyaraman said Rapid Penang buses were generally accommodating, but reaching bus-stops remain a major challenge.
“The buses have ramps and can be lowered for wheelchairs, but uneven pavements, broken sidewalks, and obstructions make the journey unsafe.”
Jeyaraman said better pedestrian infrastructure leading to bus-stops was needed to make public transport truly inclusive, particularly for persons with disabilities and the elderly.
Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the state government had continued to subsidise the Mutiara Pass to keep bus travel affordable.
He said RM7mil was allocated last year for the subsidy, with 270,328 subscriptions recorded, including new registrations and renewals.
He added that Rapid Penang would introduce an Open Payment System allowing passengers to use cashless options.
To support Visit Malaysia 2026, Zairil said Rapid Penang was also promoting the Rapid Passport.
It offers tourists unlimited seven-day travel for RM30.
The Rapid Preferred monthly pass for non-Malaysians is priced at RM110.
On fleet upgrades, Zairil said Rapid Penang would receive 70 new small-sized diesel buses measuring 8.9m this year.
“It will improve access within central business districts and residential areas.
“This will be followed by the introduction of 75 new electric buses by 2027, while older buses will be gradually taken off the road.”
He said the state’s long-term strategy was to make bus travel affordable and convenient.
This will encourage more people to make the shift from private vehicles.
Last year, Rapid Penang recorded a total yearly ridership of 17,402,492 passengers.
