THE Penang government, through Rapid Penang, is in the process of introducing a proposed Congestion Alleviation Transport (CAT) Bridge Route that will connect Bayan Lepas and Batu Kawan.
Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik said the proposal is still in its early stages, but if implemented, it would mark another significant milestone in enhancing connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland.
“This new route aims to link two of Penang’s most dynamic economic zones namely the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP) via the Penang Second Bridge.
“It will provide a reliable and affordable commuting option for thousands of workers who travel daily across the bridge, while also helping to reduce the volume of private vehicles on the road and, in turn, ease traffic congestion.
“These efforts reflect our continued commitment to improving accessibility, reducing congestion, and supporting the mobility needs of our workforce,” Goh said during a focus group discussion (FGD) on the proposed new bus route connecting Bayan Lepas and Batu Kawan today.
Also present were Batu Kawan parliamentary service centre director Ewe Chee Way, State Economic Planning Division (BPEN) representative Nurul Asyikin Abd Rahman, Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd Marketing and Charter head Cheong Yin Fan, Rapid Penang Northern Region head Amir Abdul Halim and PE Holdings Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Joanna Ling.
The session took place at the PE Sales Gallery, Design Village Outlet Mall, in Batu Kawan.
Goh revealed that he has been advocating for this CAT Bridge Route since 2018.
“However, it could not be implemented back then due to low ridership.
“This is why your input today is so important. We want to hear directly from industry players about your workforce patterns, shift schedules, and operational needs so that this service can be designed to meet actual demand and deliver maximum impact.
“Today’s session is meant to gather as much feedback as possible from stakeholders and members of the public before deciding when to launch the initiative, its reliability, bus frequency, the number of shuttle buses, as well as the pick-up and drop-off points.
“Ultimately, our goal is not just to operate more buses but to build a sustainable, well-connected mobility ecosystem that supports economic growth, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances the quality of life for Penangites,” he said.
Goh also encouraged employers to provide subsidies for employees to motivate them to use public transport, a move he said would further help reduce traffic congestion.
“Employers’ commitment to encouraging the use of public transport is crucial in supporting the Penang government’s initiative and in ensuring the effective use of public transport funding,” he added.
Goh further announced that if the project materialises, the CAT Bridge Route will be free of charge for students commuting daily between the two locations.
Meanwhile, Nurul Asyikin said all proposed pick-up and drop-off points identified during the FGD will be carefully considered to help improve ridership for the CAT Bridge Route.
“Overall, we are targeting around 1,000 daily riders including those working in Batu Kawan but living in Bayan Lepas, and vice versa.
“That’s why this engagement session is so vital, as it allows us to plan the route effectively and ensure it truly meets commuters’ needs,” she said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan