GEORGE TOWN: Tourist buses will no longer be allowed to linger at the newly redesigned pick-up and drop-off zone along Lebuh Carnarvon, says Penang Island City Council councillor Foo Yu Keong.
He said the designated area was strictly for brief stops to pick up or drop off passengers and should not be used as a parking or waiting area.
Foo said some tourist buses were currently occupying lanes around the Kampung Kolam area for extended periods after dropping off passengers.
“This prevents Rapid Penang buses from stopping properly to allow passengers to board and alight, while also causing significant disruption to other road users,” he said.
He was speaking after inspecting the tourist bus pick-up and drop-off zone project undertaken by the council’s engineering department.
Foo said tourist buses would need to leave immediately after passengers boarded or alighted so other vehicles could use the designated space.
“We must clearly distinguish between a pick-up and drop-off zone and a parking space to prevent public roads from being occupied for long periods,” he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (Sept 8).
He said the move was part of the council’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic management amid the growing number of domestic and international tourists visiting George Town.
With tourism driving demand for tourist buses, Foo said the council would continue reviewing traffic arrangements to balance the needs of public buses, tour operators and other road users.
He added that the traffic replanning also aligns with the upcoming development of the Kampung Kolam area.
As part of the improvements, the council will also upgrade public toilet facilities in the area to provide a cleaner and more comfortable environment for tourists and residents.
Foo said an efficient public transport system, clearly designated pick-up and drop-off zones and clean public facilities were essential to making George Town more visitor-friendly.
He said the council aimed to support tourism without compromising residents’ quality of life, while making the city more orderly, convenient and liveable.
