AFFORDABLE, comfortable, clean and convenient – these were the words used by frequent passengers to describe the services of the ferries plying between the island and the mainland.
It has been a year or so since the ferries (four units) were introduced, and passengers remain satisfied with the services, as observed during a visit by the Buletin Mutiara team at the Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (island) and Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (mainland) terminals respectively.
T. Ramachandran, 73, a retired government servant, said the ferry service has been truly beneficial since day one with its affordable ticket pricing, cleanliness, upgraded facilities, and others.
“Using the Penang Bridge has a lot of disadvantages, especially for a motorist like me. Since I started this ferry last year, my rides have become more enjoyable.
“There is no need to worry about accidents, bad weather and many other factors that could negatively affect motorcyclists,” Ramachandran told Buletin Mutiara today.
The four ferries, named Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kumbar, Teluk Duyung and Teluk Kampi, can each accommodate about 150 passengers and 50 motorcycles per trip.
Each pedestrian only pays RM4 for a return trip, while motorcyclists are charged RM5.
The ferries and terminals (Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda and Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim) are well-equipped with modern amenities, such as air-conditioned passenger salons, dedicated luggage compartments, toilets, free Wi-Fi and charging stations, and cashless ticketing systems.
The first ferry trip from the mainland terminal departs at 6.30am while the terminal on the island begins at 7am. As for the last trip, the mainland one ends at 11pm while the other ends at 11.30pm.
During peak hours, which is early in the day and late in the evening, there is an active ferry service every 20 minutes, while during normal hours, the ferries ply every 30 minutes.
Teoh Khai Jie, 18, a college student in George Town, praised the ferry service as an ideal mode of transport for him since it saves him a lot of money and time to get to his destination.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar