PENANG has officially launched its bus lane trial project on several key roads on the island starting today.
This initiative, a collaboration between the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Penang), aims to enhance the efficiency of public transportation and reduce travel times during peak hours.
The implementation of this bus lane trial project is from the Jalan Ria/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong junction until Jalan Ria/Jalan Magazine, which is about 200 metres (m); from Jalan Penang/Jalan Magazine/Jalan Datuk Keramat junction until Jalan Penang/Jalan Burma (100m); and from Jalan Penang/Lebuh Chulia until Jalan Penang/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong (200m).
The trial run will be for six months from Nov 19 (today) to May 19, 2025, and will be tried out daily, including on public holidays. The operating hours are from 6.30am to 9am and 4.30pm to 8pm.
MBPP councillor Tan Chiew Choon emphasised the project’s primary goal which is to reduce travel time and improve public transport services, especially during peak hours.
He said only public buses, tour buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles are permitted to use the designated bus lanes during these hours.
“MBPP also has put up signage along the bus lanes involved in the trial run, with safety cones also placed along the bus lanes during operational hours in the morning and evening.
“During the initial stages of the trial run, MBPP enforcement personnel, in collaboration with the police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), will monitor the sites to ensure smooth traffic flow along the bus lanes,” he told a press conference near the Chowrasta Market today.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, MBPP councillors Benji Ang Ming Quan, Chan Soon Aun and Shafiz Rahim Raja.
Tan stated that feedback from the public would play a crucial role in determining the project’s success.
“Positive outcomes may lead to the permanent gazetting of these roads as dedicated bus lanes and the potential expansion of the initiative to other areas in the state,” he said.
He also urged the public to share their feedback on the project through MBPP’s WhatsApp line at 016-200 4082, highlighting that public input will shape future expansions and improvements.
“After all, this initiative marks a significant step toward making Penang’s public transportation system more efficient and reliable, benefiting daily commuters and the wider community,” said Tan.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting