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GEORGE TOWN: Malaysians are still the main users of Penang’s Free CAT Bus services, with local ridership at between 55% and 60%, the state assembly heard.
State infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said this was based on passenger patterns. At the same time, 39.8% of all riders used the Pas Mutiara, a concession pass available only to Malaysians who use public transport daily.
He said this indicator, combined with cash payments and other pass types, showed that locals continued to make up the bulk of users across both paid routes and the Free CAT network.
Responding to a question from Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PAS–Sungai Dua), Zairil said the state monitored the performance of the CAT Bridge and CAT George Town services closely through weekly ridership data supplied by the operator.
“These numbers allow us to detect increases or drops in passenger trends and determine whether bus deployment or route refinements are needed,” he said, replying on behalf of the Chief Minister.
“Through this data, we can identify potential high-demand corridors and improve overall service performance.”
On whether the state would introduce a nominal fare for non-citizens, Zairil said the matter was being studied but must be balanced carefully with Penang’s identity as a tourism-driven state.
“As a tourism-oriented state, we prioritise a visitor-friendly approach to uphold Penang’s image as an accessible and welcoming destination,” he said.
“Nevertheless, the feasibility of imposing nominal charges on non-citizens is still under review, including the possibility of a tiered mechanism.”
He said the broader aim was to ensure fairness without diluting the appeal of the CAT service to travellers who rely on it to move within George Town’s heritage zones and other key areas.
Zairil added that the state’s route planning placed strong emphasis on the B40 community, persons with disabilities, students and residents in densely populated neighbourhoods.
“Areas with many low-cost flats are prioritised with integrated and efficient routes,” he said, pointing to Padang Tembak, Paya Terubong, Farlim, Relau, Bayan Baru, Tanjong Tokong, Teluk Bahang and Bukit Mertajam.
For rural areas with lower usage, he said Rapid Penang deployed targeted service frequencies and Rapid On Demand (ROD) options to maintain inclusivity.
“The goal is to sustain a public transport network that remains accessible to all communities, regardless of geography or socioeconomic background,” he added.
