MBPP enforcement personnel could be seen monitoring the designated bus lanes at Jalan Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The bus lane trial project on several major roads here, aimed at reducing travel time and enhancing public transport services, has elicited mixed reaction from stakeholders.
While some businesses have praised the initiative, others argue that its drawbacks outweigh its benefits.
Lim Eng Teik, 60, a snack stall owner at the Chowrasta Market facing Penang Road, said the bus lane has improved accessibility and safety of passengers taking public transport.
"Buses can pull in and stop directly at bus stops, enabling passengers to board and alight safely.
"Without a dedicated lane, other vehicles often park by the roadside and block the space entirely.
"This forces buses to skip stops, causing inconvenience for passengers.
"In the past, passengers would sometimes have to go all the way to Komtar to catch a bus because it couldn't stop here," he said on Thursday (Nov 21).
However, Lim also noted there was a lack of parking spaces near the market complex, which has deterred tourists.
"Many of my customers are tourists who park to make quick purchases.
"Now, even ride-hailing drivers have no space to pick up or drop off passengers with the bus lanes," he said.
He also said traffic congestion along the road had worsened over the years.
"While the bus lane is generally a good idea, it could exacerbate traffic jams during peak periods like holidays.
"There must be a better way to improve the system without harming businesses or worsening the congestion," he said.
The bus lane initiative, a collaboration between Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Penang), aims to enhance the efficiency of public transportation and reduce travel times during peak hours.
It is implemented from the Jalan Ria/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong junction until Jalan Ria/Jalan Magazine, which is about 200m; from Jalan Penang/Jalan Magazine/Jalan Datuk Keramat junction until Jalan Penang/Jalan Burma (100m); and from Jalan Penang/Lebuh Chulia until Jalan Penang/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong (200m).
The trial run will be for six months daily from Nov 19 to May 19, 2025, including public holidays.
Throughout the period, only public buses, tour buses, taxis and emergency vehicles are allowed to use the bus lanes from 6.30am to 9am, and from 4.30pm to 8pm.
On the other side of Jalan Penang, coffee shop owner Cheow Sow Lei, 57, claimed the bus lane trial had affected her business and authorities had not consulted her beforehand.
"Many of my customers make quick stops to grab takeaways or delivery riders picking up orders.
"With the bus lane, they can't park or stop near my shop," she said.
Cheow questioned the effectiveness of the bus lane.
"It's such a short section, how much time does it really save for buses?
"The four lanes were already congested during peak hours and... reducing it to three for motorists makes it worse.
"When no buses are using the lane, it feels like wasted space," she said.
Checks found many motorists were confused by the bottleneck created at the start of the bus lanes.
Traffic enforcers from MBPP can be seen diverting vehicles away and allowing buses and taxis to enter the lane, causing further congestion.
MBPP councilor Lee Seng Hwai, who held an engagement session with affected shop owners on Jalan Penang, said the council would make adjustments.
"Many business owners have complained about customers not being able to park and e-hailing riders not having space to collect their orders.
"We have listened to their feedback and will make necessary adjustments.
"The bus lanes are not to cause inconvenience but to improve traffic for the future and encourage people to use public transport.
Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Muhammad Yazurin Sallij said the project had improved bus movement and safety.
"Buses are experiencing fewer disruptions, contributing to better travel times.
"The dedicated lanes are creating safer boarding and boarding conditions for passengers, particularly at the busy Chowrasta Market bus stop, thus reducing the risk of accidents.
"With the support of local authorities, the movement of buses and other vehicles along these lanes has become smoother, further enhancing their effectiveness.
"We are optimistic that as more people adapt to the bus lanes, we will continue to see improvements in travel times, service efficiency and passenger safety," he said.
