UNEVEN floor tiles, broken chairs and torn sections of roof insulation are among the signs of wear at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal in Gelugor, Penang.
The button panel of lifts there was also missing, while the terminal’s only escalator was undergoing maintenance about two weeks ago.
Built in 2003, the terminal has certainly seen better days.
In its early years, it bustled with chatter, while queues of passengers stretched out as they waited to buy tickets.
The terminal served as the main intercity bus hub connecting Penang with destinations across Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.
There are currently more than 10 express bus operators serving the terminal.
Calls for improvement
Frequent passenger Nisha Mohd Ibrahim, 82, said while the terminal’s location may be convenient, major upgrades and better staffing were needed, particularly to cater to older passengers like her.
The retired dental nurse said there were times when no one was available at the information counter.
“Usually, there is someone to help senior citizens book their bus tickets, but it is not consistent.
“I once waited for assistance, only for a random stranger to eventually help me,” she said.
On another occasion Nisha noticed that seating was limited in some areas as several chairs were broken.
“There are also cracked tiles and uneven flooring, which can be hazardous for the elderly.
“These may sound like small issues to some, but one misstep on uneven tiles for someone my age could result in serious injuries.”
Nisha also said that lack of food outlets offering proper meals was another issue that needed attention.
Many other bus terminals, she said, offered passengers places to sit and eat while waiting for their bus.
“There are stalls here selling light snacks, but no proper meals.
“In the past, there was a kopitiam (coffeeshop), but it has since closed,” she said, adding that such facilities could make the terminal more comfortable and welcoming.
“These things are important as travellers could miss their bus or not know where to wait.
“When I walked around, I realised there is a fenced partition dividing the arrival and departure areas.
“While I can still walk around it to get to the other side, it would be difficult for someone older,” said Tan, who was waiting for her sister to pick her up from the terminal.
Tan, who works in the hotel industry, said not much had changed since she last travelled to Penang several years ago.
“It is unfortunate because while the location of this bus terminal is convenient for travellers heading to the island, it lacks proper amenities,” she said.
Tan also raised concerns about safety while waiting at the terminal.
“I would not consider taking a bus at night as the waiting areas are limited and it does not feel safe.
“This is a worrying factor and would deter me from taking a return bus to Johor from this terminal,” she said.
Housewife S. Devi, 66, opts to travel during the day whenever she takes a bus from Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal as she does not feel safe there at night.
“I am getting older, which means my reflexes are slower.
“I would not risk waiting for my bus here at night as it is quiet and does not seem well guarded.
“Even during the day, I barely see staff or people at the counters.
“There are vendors on the first floor, but I worry that I might miss my bus if I wait upstairs,” she said.
Devi said she would appreciate better security and a cleaner environment, although the terminal’s location remained convenient for interstate travel.
“It is still a good option for me when travelling to visit family in Kuala Lumpur,” she said.
Still a preferred choice
For many, Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal remains a convenient option for interstate travel despite its flaws, as the alternative is to travel to Penang Sentral, an intermodal transit-oriented development on the mainland.
A representative of an express bus service, identified only as Wan, said despite the bus terminal’s condition, many passengers still preferred to be picked up and dropped off at Sungai Nibong.
“While the narrow roads make it difficult for buses to enter or exit the terminal, there is still strong demand for the pick-up point.
“There is a huge customer base for us as those on the island would rather wait at the terminal than travel to Penang Sentral on the mainland.
“It is difficult for passengers travelling to or from the island as they have to be picked up or dropped off on the mainland.
“The other option is to take the ferry, which can be cumbersome for those with heavy luggage,” he said.
Wan, whose outlet is located along Jalan Ria in George Town, said the company would continue serving the terminal as long as there was sufficient demand.
“Our bus drivers are used to narrow roads and tight spaces.
“We do not mind driving over to the island as long as there is demand. It is a win-win for both of us and the travellers.”
The Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal is located next to the Penang Pesta grounds which has been closed to make way for the Mutiara Line light rail transit (LRT) station and depot.
