Some motorcyclists stop to pay Penang Bridge toll

Easier passage: Motorcyclists travelling from Butterworth to Penang enjoying a toll-free ride on the Penang Bridge.

GEORGE TOWN: Several motorcyclists who passed through the Penang Bridge toll plaza have forgotten for a moment that the toll has been abolished.

It was truly a delightful surprise for shopkeeper K. Saravanan, 63, who was looking for the Touch ’n Go sensor panel while on his way to the Penang island.

“I live in Seberang Jaya and would ride my bike to the island for either work or to visit family members.

“It completely slipped my mind that the toll has been scrapped,” said the father of three.

He said the money saved from paying toll would be used to pay for petrol instead.

Student Maria Lee, 25, said the move would definitely reduce traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

“I have been looking forward to this since it was first announced.

“There won’t be long queues or bottlenecks at the toll. We motorcyclists do not have to wait for each other to scan our Touch ’n Go card at the toll.

“I hope the abolition be extended to other types of vehicles as well,” she said.

There were several buntings along the toll plaza to remind motorcyclists of the abolition. The barrier gate at motorcycle lanes had also been removed.

It was reported that Malaysia Highway Authority Toll Monitoring Department director Idrus Mat Tais flagged off motorcyclists to mark the toll abolition earlier in the day.

The toll abolition in Penang is expected to benefit almost 20,000 motorcyclists using the Penang Bridge and another 2,000 using the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge daily.

Motorcyclists exiting the mainland used to pay Penang Bridge toll (RM1.20) and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge toll (RM1.70).