THE Penang state government has welcomed the arrival of the first 15 electric buses for Rapid Penang, marking a step towards greener public transportation in line with the state’s Penang2030 vision.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the first batch was part of the 75 electric buses to be received by Rapid Penang under Phase 1.
He said the state government was pleased to welcome the new fleet as it aligned with Penang2030’s goal of making Penang a green and smart state.
“We are happy to welcome the first EV bus fleet as this is in line with our Penang2030 vision of a green and smart state,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
The introduction of electric buses is part of efforts to promote more environmentally friendly public transportation and support the state’s wider sustainability goals.
With the first 15 buses having arrived, the fleet will eventually comprise 75 electric buses under Phase 1.
Meanwhile, visually impaired masseur Johari Saad, 55, who lives in Batu Ferringhi and frequently travels to George Town by bus, said accessible public transportation was important to commuters like him.
He said features such as clear announcements, accessible facilities and assistance when boarding and alighting could help make bus journeys safer and more convenient for visually impaired passengers.
“The introduction of the new fleet also highlights the importance of ensuring that public transport improvements cater to passengers with different needs,” he said.
Leow Seow Kok, 75, who lives in Air Itam, said reliable public transportation was important for elderly residents who depended on buses to get around.
“For senior citizens who rely on buses to get around, a convenient and comfortable service can make daily journeys easier,” he said.
The retiree added that as Penang moved towards a greener public transport system, it was equally important to ensure that services remained accessible, safe and convenient for commuters of all ages.
Jones Chua, 48, also welcomed the introduction of electric buses in Penang but hoped that bus frequency and connectivity on certain routes would improve.
“I live in Sungai Dua, near USM. Bus journeys take too long, and there is a need for more local bus services covering areas within a radius of three to six kilometres, with more interchange hubs,” he said.
He hoped the state could improve local bus connectivity to make public transportation more convenient for residents travelling within their neighbourhoods.
P. Kannan, who lives in Bandar Baru Air Itam, also welcomed the initiative but hoped commuters would do their part to keep the buses clean and in good condition.
He said public cooperation was important to ensure that the new fleet was well maintained and benefited commuters in the long run.
Story by Edmund Lee