THE public inspection of the revised Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has got locals excited about the direct rail link between Penang island and mainland.
Information like the distance between the proposed Penang Sentral LRT station, ferry terminal and train station as well as the number of parking bays have been revealed.
Retired teacher R. Jeyanti Mala said that the 500m distance between Penang Sentral LRT station, train station and ferry terminal would be a challenge.
“It will take time to walk there, especially with luggage.
“A travelator (moving walkway) would benefit not only the elderly but also younger travellers, many of whom carry heavy bags,” she pointed out.
Penang Sentral is an integrated transit-oriented development (TOD) and transportation hub in Butterworth.
“A shaded, covered walkway would help. An indoor, air-conditioned connection would be even better,” said Jeyanti, who travels between Kuala Lumpur and Penang several times a year.
She said she usually walked from the train station to Penang Sentral to catch the ferry, and then would take an e-hailing ride to her final destination.
“The walk to Penang Sentral may not be far, but there is a slope which can be difficult when carrying luggage, even if we use a trolley,” she said.
“With the LRT, I hope I will no longer need to use three modes of transport and can disembark at a station closer to my destination.”
Engineer Shannon Ho raised concerns over the planned 1,000 parking bays.
He noted out that the first Penang Bridge could accommodate about 30,000 cars per direction during the three-hour morning rush.
“If just 10% of that flow shifts to Penang Sentral, some 3,000 cars would be looking for parking.
“I am concerned that demand from mainland commuters could overwhelm Penang Sentral once the LRT begins operating.
“For the LRT to function efficiently on the mainland, its scope must be expanded or Penang Sentral risks being overwhelmed.
“The state should also spell out its long-term plans for rail connections on the mainland.”
Ho added that many workers in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone on the island commute from the mainland, with some even travelling from Sungai Petani and Kulim in Kedah.
Revised plan
Spanning 29.67km with 20 stations and two provisional stations, the Mutiara Line − which commenced construction last year − is expected to begin operations in December 2031.
The RM16.8bil Mutiara Line LRT project has been revised to include a 6km cross-sea link from Macallum to Penang Sentral.
The LRT bridge’s published specifications show that vertical clearance will be over 60m.
Data from the public inspection exercise shows that this bridge will have two main navigation spans, each 450m in length (distance between two main support piers).
This will create a two-way navigational corridor for large ships to pass below, and even Penang’s ferry passengers will get to pass below the bridge every time.
Penang Sentral will serve as a key mainland interchange integrating KTM Bhd rail, buses and ferry services.
New stations will be added at Penang Sentral and Bagan Luar, while a secondary depot will be built at Tapak Pesta in Sungai Dua, mainly for train stabling.
A three-month public inspection is being held until May 24 to gather feedback on the amended railway scheme, including its alignment and station locations, before MRT Corp submits it to the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) for approval.
Public inspections are being held at Komtar, Penang Sentral, KTM Butterworth station and the Apad office in Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the amendments were necessary after MRT Corp took over the project and expanded its scope.
He noted that the original approval covered only the Komtar to Silicon Island alignment, when the state government was the project owner.
As of March 16, Chow said about 23,000 people had visited the feedback booths, with 8,000 submissions received.
Accessibility concerns
Penang Society of Disabled Persons president Datuk Teh Lay Kuan hopes the new LRT stations and facilities will include properly designed ramps, barrier-free access and better accessibility.
She said many aspects were overlooked in the designs of Penang Sentral, ferry terminal and train station, making it difficult for disabled persons to move independently.
Teh said that inclusive infrastructure was crucial for safe and comfortable public transport.
“Recently, a wheelchair-bound passenger travelled from Kuala Lumpur by train but the lift was not working at the station.
“Staff eventually had to carry the person down. Disabled persons want to feel independent.
Teh stressed that multiple lifts and alternative ways to move between levels must be included.
“Travelators between stations would help, as would flat surfaces and aids to move faster over longer distances,” she said.
IT executive Muhammad Aqil Tajuddin said lanes outside LRT stations must accommodate drop-offs, pick-ups and parking.
“If we want to reduce traffic, we must encourage more people to take the LRT.
“Expensive parking at LRT stations will push people to continue driving,” he said.
Executive officer M. Thevatharshiny said commuting from Bukit Minyak on the mainland to the island was tedious.
“More parking, covered walkways and wider roads near stations are needed, as our roads are narrow.
“Ticket prices must be affordable; otherwise, combined costs including e-hailing or buses will outweigh the benefit.
“If travel costs exceed RM20 a day and delays occur, it defeats the purpose of taking the LRT.”
Thevatharshiny said that addressing these concerns from the start would benefit everyone.
“The LRT has huge potential to reduce travel time and traffic if implemented correctly,” she said.
For details, go to www.mymrt.com.my
