THE recent addition of a multi-storey car park at Penang International Airport (PIA) has sparked discussions among Penangites, with varying opinions about its convenience and functionality.
The seven-storey car park, which opened on April 1 this year, boasts a total of 1,742 parking bays, nearly three times the capacity of the original facility.
Benjamin Marc Subramaniam, a 21-year-old student at MSU Penang, commended the upgrade, describing it as ‘extremely convenient’.
He noted the positive impact of alleviating traffic congestion in and around the airport, thanks to the ease of finding a parking spot compared to the previous struggle of circling endlessly.
Benjamin also highlighted the car park’s technological advancements, including kiosks for locating vehicles and cashless payment options.
However, he pointed out that the technology could be a double-edged sword.
“While it’s a boon for many, the sudden jump in technology may pose a challenge for senior citizens who may not be familiar with such innovations,” he said.
Benjamin also mentioned the absence of a covered walkway connecting the car park to the airport, which could be inconvenient during rainy weather.
Eugene Phuah, a 31-year-old Instructional Designer/Trainer, shared his initial experience, highlighting some challenges.
He mentioned difficulty with the scanning process during his first visit and recalled that Touch ‘n Go payments were temporarily unavailable. Phuah also found the directions within the car park confusing and was unsure about the ramps.
Phuah acknowledged the necessity of a multi-storey car park.
He emphasised the benefits of vertical space utilisation in high-traffic areas, but also recognised room for improvement in terms of design and convenience.
In conclusion, the new multi-storey car park at PIA has garnered mixed reactions from the public. While it offers much-needed parking space and technological conveniences, some challenges need to be addressed to ensure it serves all users effectively and efficiently.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer