Rapid KL solution for Penang bus woes

PENANG: Rapid KL will take over the management of the bus system in Penang, putting an end to the island’s longstanding public transportation woes. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said it was the Government’s Chinese New Year gift to Penang commuters.  

“Last year’s presents were the proposed second bridge for Penang and the proposed monorail. 

“This year, (Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh) Tsu Koon asked for more. He asked for public transportation. 

“We have allocated RM50mil to improve bus services in Penang. 

“Rapid KL will manage the bus system,” he said when opening the MCA-Gerakan Chinese New Year open house at the Penang International Sports Arena yesterday. 

Abdullah said this in an immediate response to Dr Koh’s plea to the Federal Government to allow Rapid KL to operate in Penang and integrate the bus system with the upcoming monorail network. 

Dr Koh admitted that the state government did not have the expertise to ensure a smooth public transportation system.  

He added that the state government was not keen to take up the loan offered because it did not want to be weighed down financially.