THE Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will be briefing the Penang government on its public transport findings soon.
Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook said he would ask the top management from SPAD to brief Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on some of the public transport findings and studies.
“The Transport Ministry is fully supportive of the initiative from the state to improve its public transport system.
“The question is which kind of public transport mode is the most suitable? We have other options and proposals (besides LRT).
“It is up to the state to decide which option is the best. We have to consult the state and listen to what the state wished for; then we will process accordingly.
“The meeting will take place very soon,” Loke told a press conference at E&O Hotel in Farquhar Street today.
Chow said SPAD had been telling the state government that it could not decide on the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit application (which was submitted in 2016), pending the Commission’s study on the northern Peninsular Malaysia public transport.
“They have been telling us to wait. I believe that the study is now completed, and they can now engage us and present their options.
“We are willing to talk to SPAD and are open to options.
“The question is whether will it be ‘at-grade’ (ground level) or elevated?
“Will there be a dedicated (lane) if it is ‘at-grade’, and will it take away the existing traffic lane?” Chow questioned.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Chan Kok Kuan