Penang Transportation Plan [Archive]

rizalhakim

July 11th, 2009, 04:28 AM

Penang plans integrated transport system
2009/07/11

PENANG: The Penang government intends to establish an efficient integrated transportation system involving hybrid buses, monorail, trams and water taxis to facilitate movement of people in the state, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said yesterday. He said such a progressive system of transportation was necessary as the number of vehicles registered in Penang had risen to 1.4 million and resulted in traffic congestion.

"Unsatisfactory traffic management, insufficient infrastructure and lack of enforcement have added to the traffic flow problem.

"As such, we are drawing up a transportation master plan for the whole of Penang encompassing land (including railway) and water transportation," he said at the presentation of letters of appointment to members of the state transportation council here.

Lim said that owing to costs, the state government could only opt for one of the several forms of transportation, a decision on which had yet to be made. He also said that with the formation of the state transportation council, the state government would introduce education, enforcement and traffic dispersal to reduce traffic congestion in Penang.

On another matter, Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, suggested that the Federal Government gave urban students the alternative of continuing to learn Science and Mathematics in English as these students were more comfortable with the language. -- Bernama

project aliciel

July 14th, 2009, 07:34 PM

should learn from the mistakes... what kuala lumpur have done

learn from singapore, common ticketing system for all transport system in both penang island and seberang perai (all use Tn'G).

penang state government can consider to give fare discount for those travels using Tn'G like what singapore did.

at least, Tn'G should able to reload using ticket vending machine, like what singapore did.

nazrey

July 14th, 2009, 08:07 PM

Penang water taxi plan
By Marina Emmmanuel Published: 2009/07/15
> http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ncia14/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ncia14/pix_topright

The concept of a water taxi service connecting Penang island and the mainland under the Northern Corridor Economic Region has received the federal government's approval.

A feasibility study on the proposal for a shuttle service for passengers from 10 coastal points on both sides of the Penang channel is expected to be conducted next month and to be completed by the year-end.

"An allocation of RM50 million under the Ninth Malaysia Plan has been earmarked for commissioning technical studies, funding fundamental infrastructure and possibly finance boats for the water taxi service," Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) senior vice-president (manufacturing industry division) Chris Tan told reporters in Penang yesterday.

Also present was Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang.

Chris said the concept paper was approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last week during an NCIA council meeting.

A consultant will be appointed soon to carry out a detailed study on the proposed project.

Chris added that the project was likely to be implemented as a private finance initiative.

"We are targeting for at least two or three routes to be operational by the end of 2010," he said.

Among other things, the feasibility study will look into operational details of the water taxi system, pricing mechanism for fares, size of the vessels to be used and how these can be integrated into a holistic transportation system for Penang.

"The NCIA will facilitate the project and work with the PPC and the federal government together with the local authorities," Chris said.

He also said that the NCIA would prefer the water taxi operator to have a stake in the business.

On Penang island, the proposed jetty points include Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, George Town, Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung and Pulau Jerejak.

On the mainland, locations such as Bagan Ajam, Butterworth, Pulau Aman and Nibong Tebal have been identified as potential landing points.

Cheng Liang said the water taxi service could open up more job opportunities by reducing the hassle for people to commute to work between the two points. The state, meanwhile, stood to benefit from a new product to attract tourists.

"The PPC is still open to any good proposal, especially from existing ferry operators who are in a position to pilot this project," she added.

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ncia14/pix_bottom

nazrey

July 14th, 2009, 08:09 PM

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ncia14/pix_bottom

SMART - Sistem Malaysia di Arahan Rentak Terkini :lol:

rizalhakim

July 15th, 2009, 05:58 AM

waaa....

rizalhakim

July 15th, 2009, 07:19 AM

rizalhakim

July 15th, 2009, 08:20 AM

Teksi air bakal diperkenalkan di Pulau Pinang

PULAU PINANG 14 Julai - Para pengguna jalan raya di negeri ini boleh 'mengucapkan selamat tinggal' kepada kesesakan lalu lintas memandangkan perkhidmatan teksi air bakal beroperasi sebagai pengangkutan alternatif tidak lama lagi.

Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Pelabuhan Pulau Pinang (SPPP), Tan Cheng Liang berkata, pelan konsep kreatif itu kini sedang diteliti oleh pihaknya dan berharap ia dapat direalisasikan kelak.

"Penggunaan teksi air sebagai pengangkutan alternatif sememangnya berfaedah khususnya untuk mengurangkan kesesakan di jalan raya di samping menjadi produk pelancongan baru.

"SPPP akan bekerjasama dengan Kementerian Pengangkutan dan Pihak Berkuasa Pelaksanaan Koridor Utara (NCIA) bagi melaksanakan projek ini," katanya kepada pemberita di sini hari ini.

Kata Cheng Liang, jika perkhidmatan itu dapat beroperasi nanti, ia mampu membawa penumpang berulang-alik dari pulau ke tanah besar setiap hari.

"Konsep perkhidmatan seperti ini sebenarnya telah lama diperkenalkan di beberapa bandar besar di luar negara seperti di Sydney, Australia.

"Jika projek ini dapat direalisasikan, kita yakin negeri ini mampu menjadi destinasi yang diminati bagi pelancong asing dan tempatan," jelasnya.

Menurut beliau, bagi penyelidikan fasa pertama, pengangkutan itu akan meliputi lokasi tertentu seperti di Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, Georgetown, Pulau Jerejak serta Batu Maung.

Katanya, perkhidmatan teksi air di kawasan perairan tanah besar pula meliputi Bagan Ajam, Butterworth, Batu Kawan dan Nibong Tebal.

"Pihak kami berterima kasih kepada Perdana Menteri yang meluluskan cadangan mewujudkan perkhidmatan teksi air ini di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9) menjelang tahun hadapan dengan peruntukan sebanyak RM50 juta.

"Kita sekarang ini sedang mengenal pasti syarikat perunding bertauliah agar kajian dapat dilaksanakan dalam tempoh masa tiga hingga empat bulan," ujarnya.

nazrey

July 15th, 2009, 01:08 PM

Repairs at Penang ferry berth, use the Bridge
By TAN SIN CHOW
Published: Wednesday July 15, 2009 MYT 5:11:00 PM

GEORGE TOWN: Motorists heading to the mainland from the island have been advised to use the Penang Bridge until further notice to avoid congestion at the ferry terminal here.

One of the two ferry berths has been closed for repairs after its upper ramp developed a 30cm crack.

Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) ferry chief Kamarudin Ismail said the berth was expected to reopen the latest by noon on Saturday as repair work was being carried out round the clock.

He said the crack was discovered at about 7:20pm on Tuesday and the berth was subsequently closed for safety reasons.

He said PPSB has temporarily reduced the number of ferries from six to five while repairs are going on.

Kamarudin said the crack could have developed due to metal fatigue as 6,500 passengers, 3,500 motorists, 4,000 motorcyclists and 200 lorries use the ferry service daily.

The same ramp had developed a 20cm crack early last month and was repaired at a cost of RM10,000.

khensthoth

July 15th, 2009, 01:34 PM

daeng_jal

July 15th, 2009, 02:29 PM

^^^ unitary?? a lot of unitary nation are more federated than we are, even comunist china is more federated than we are..

daeng_jal

July 15th, 2009, 02:31 PM

LOL, should included sungai petani too, as most of their resident work in penang

nazrey

July 15th, 2009, 06:46 PM

Najib (Pahang) is far better than Paklah (Penang)!!!

rizalhakim

July 16th, 2009, 03:47 AM

Najib must be very busy, having to attend to small matters like these. I couldn't understand why matters of state transportation has to be decided by the Prime Minister when the Chief Minister and the state administration can do the same job.

Perhaps they have forgotten that we are a federation, as they run things as if this is a unitary state.

guan eng sudah pening kepala lo!!!!....well gudluck to najib!!!!

allurban

July 16th, 2009, 05:25 AM

I thought the changes to the rapidkl website were impressive. :banana:

But the folks at rapid penang have raised the bar again.

Check out their new site, www.rapidpg.com.my. :banana::cheers::nuts:

Cheers, m

rizalhakim

July 16th, 2009, 07:27 AM

Konsep pengangkutan air Pulau Pinang dilulus
Oleh Fazli Abdullah
fazliabdullah@bharian.com.my

Pembinaan 10 jeti menerusi inisiatif NCER bentuk program bersepadu

GEORGETOWN: Kerajaan Pusat meluluskan konsep Pengangkutan Air Pulau Pinang menerusi inisiatif Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara (NCER) yang akan merangsang ekonomi dan peluang pekerjaan kepada penduduk negeri ini.

Antara lain, konsep itu membabitkan cadangan pembinaan 10 jeti bagi menghubungkan bahagian pulau dan tanah besar seperti di Bagan Ajam, Butterworth, Pulau Aman, Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Bunga dan Batu Maung.

Naib Presiden Kanan (Bahagian Industri Pembuatan) Pihak Berkuasa Pelaksanaan Koridor Utara (NCIA), Chris Tan, berkata RM50 juta diperuntukkan kepada pihaknya pada Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9) bagi menjayakan inisiatif itu.

Antara lain, peruntukan itu akan digunakan untuk membiayai kajian kesesuaian, pembinaan prasarana dan pembelian bot.

Sehubungan itu, katanya, satu kajian kesesuaian terhadap projek berkenaan akan bermula bulan depan dan dijangka siap dalam tempoh tiga setengah bulan.

“Kami mensasarkan menjelang akhir RMK-9, sekurang-kurangnya dua atau tiga laluan bagi pengangkutan air antara pulau dan tanah besar akan beroperasi," katanya.

Beliau bercakap pada sidang media bersama Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Pelabuhan Pulau Pinang (PPC), Tan Cheng Liang, bagi menjelaskan konsep Pengangkutan Air Pulau Pinang di sini, kelmarin.

Konsep Pengangkutan Air Pulau Pinang diluluskan pada mesyuarat ketiga NCIA di Putrajaya, minggu lalu, yang dipengerusikan oleh Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Najib dilaporkan berkata, semua projek NCER yang sedang dan akan dibina, pada asasnya mengikut jadual membabitkan sektor pertanian, pembuatan dan pelancongan yang disokong bidang infrastruktur, pendidikan dan modal insan serta pembangunan sosial.

Sebanyak RM750 juta diperuntukkan kepada NCIA dalam RMK-9 bagi melaksanakan projek itu termasuk Pusat Latihan Amali Agro Entrepreneur, SawahKU Maju, Pembangunan Hutan Tropika Belum-Temenggor, Taiping Bandar Warisan dan Sistem Pengangkutan Air Pulau Pinang.

Chris berkata, perunding yang akan menjalankan kajian itu akan dilantik tidak lama lagi.

Antara lain, perunding berkenaan akan memperhalusi sistem pengangkutan air, jenis bot sesuai digunakan, tambang serta mendapatkan pandangan pengusaha pengangkutan air sedia ada.

Sementara itu, Cheng Liang berkata, konsep pengangkutan air yang akan dibangunkan bertujuan membentuk sistem pengangkutan awam bersepadu, sesuai dengan Pulau Pinang sebagai hab logistik dan pengangkutan wilayah utara.

Katanya, sistem yang akan dibangunkan itu akan membantu mengurangkan kesesakan lalu lintas, memberi keselesaan kepada orang ramai serta menjaga alam sekitar.

nazrey

July 16th, 2009, 10:31 AM

Ferry Terminal Drive Ramp Under Repair
July 15, 2009 14:28 PM

PENANG, July 15 (Bernama) -- The third passage of the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal is expected to be reopened on Saturday after repair work on the drive ramp is completed.

Ferry head Kamarudin Ismail said the ramp was closed at 7.20pm yesterday after minor cracks were found on it.

"As a result, only three of four ramps could be used for the time being. As repair work will take three days, we expect the ferry services to be congested.

"Motorists are advised to use the Penang Bridge to avoid congestion at the ferry terminal," he told reporters here today.

-- BERNAMA

khensthoth

July 16th, 2009, 10:46 AM

Najib (Pahang) is far better than Paklah (Penang)!!!

guan eng sudah pening kepala lo!!!!....well gudluck to najib!!!!

My point being, the federal government should not have the kind of power it currently has - everything is centralised, resulting in an inefficient government.

nazrey

July 16th, 2009, 10:48 AM

Go Penang!

allurban

July 16th, 2009, 12:18 PM

Comments from TRANSIT posted here

http://transitmy.org/2009/07/16/penang-plans-an-integrated-public-transport-system/

... while there may be some elements of similarity, what we are seeing here are separate proposals, from the NCER Implementation Authority/PPC (Federal government agencies) and the State government. The federal government side is talking about Private Finance Initiatives and may look at the whole Northern Corridor economic region.

Cheers, m

matthew2005

July 18th, 2009, 09:02 PM

Najib must be very busy, having to attend to small matters like these. I couldn't understand why matters of state transportation has to be decided by the Prime Minister when the Chief Minister and the state administration can do the same job.

Perhaps they have forgotten that we are a federation, as they run things as if this is a unitary state.

actually have a point that i didn't understand at all..
why most of the plan, project are administrative by Prime Minister Department?
Like Water taxi concept, than what is the function of MOT ?

khensthoth

July 19th, 2009, 12:52 AM

^^ In our government, most decisions are made by very few people. This is why I said it's very inefficient. Imagine a prime minister having to attend to every transport plan in every state.

matthew2005

July 19th, 2009, 06:53 AM

^^ In our government, most decisions are made by very few people. This is why I said it's very inefficient. Imagine a prime minister having to attend to every transport plan in every state.

actually our cabinet and ther minister may abolish already,
all decision make by Prime Minister Department..

patchay

July 19th, 2009, 07:05 AM

allurban

July 20th, 2009, 01:10 PM

actually have a point that i didn't understand at all..
why most of the plan, project are administrative by Prime Minister Department?
Like Water taxi concept, than what is the function of MOT ?MOT is a regulator, they make the laws and see that they are enforced.

The Economic Planning Unit is the body that makes the decisions - and the EPU is under the Prime Minister's Department.

Cheers, m

khensthoth

July 21st, 2009, 02:03 PM

Where does LPKP fit in the big picture then?

allurban

July 24th, 2009, 08:23 AM

Where does LPKP fit in the big picture then?LPKP / CVLB issues the permits for commercial vehicles and can check to see that the permit holder is licensed or that they are following the expectations of the permit.

JPJ gives the heavy vehicle/commercial-vehicle driver's license to the driver. JPJ and Puspakom are responsible for checking on vehicle maintenance.

Cheers, m

nazrey

September 25th, 2009, 11:41 PM

Proposed Penang water taxis to be boon or bane?
Published: 2009/09/26

Will there be enough demand to make the venture profitable? How many people are prepared to pay more and travel in comfort?

PLANS to launch a water-taxi service to transport passengers between Penang island and the mainland have resurfaced of late, almost nine years after the proposal was first made.

The earlier proposal by then Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Maidin failed to take off after findings suggested that it was not commercially viable.

Now, the government, through the Penang Port Commission (PPC), is once again exploring the idea of introducing such a service.

This time, the plan looks set to get off the ground.

In July, PPC chairman Tan Cheng Liang was reported as saying that the port commission had received the federal government's approval for RM50 million for the state water transportation services.

The water-taxi service would be implemented by the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency during the Ninth Malaysia Plan period, which ends in December next year.

It also identified 10 proposed coastal points for the service: Butterworth, Bagan Ajam, Pulau Aman and Nibong Tebal on the mainland; and Weld Quay, Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Tokong, Pantai Jerejak and Batu Maung on the island.

But if this plan is much the same today as it was nine years ago, it begs the question: what has changed? What makes the project viable this time around? After all, passenger demand would be slow due to the global economic downturn.

According to an industry source familiar with the situation, when the proposal was first presented to the Economic Planning Unit by Abdul Rahman in 2000, the government was sceptical about the viability of the project and put it on hold. During that period, PPC's views were also sought.

It is learnt that a major concern was whether the company running the water-taxi service could sell the tickets at a price substantial enough to recoup costs and make a profit. As it is, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) is still finding it hard to raise fares for its loss-making ferry service between Penang island and Butterworth.

"If the government wants to introduce a water-taxi service to Penang, it has to look into the fare structure. The ticket price has to be substantial enough for the operator to survive because it would not have the luxury to be cross-subsidised by other port activities like the existing ferry service," said the source.

And, will there be enough demand to make the venture profitable? How many people are prepared to pay more and travel in comfort, as relying solely on tourist traffic will not be enough to fill the water taxis?

Furthermore, what will happen to the existing ferry service, which, according to PPSB, can fill only 25 per cent of the available capacity? Will its commuters turn to the new water-taxi service to save time?

A source involved in the earlier proposal said there would be enough demand to support the water-taxi service only if the existing ferry service operated by PPSB were converted to carry vehicles only, leaving the water taxis to carry passengers.

Fares and demand aside, introducing the water-taxi service will also incur huge capital outlay, such as for the purchase of boats and to build the terminals for the water taxis to dock. PPC has yet to indicate the cost of operating the water-taxi service.

As such, an in-depth study has to be conducted before implementing the proposal to launch a water-taxi service.

There is no hurry to implement this project because, as the saying goes, "Better safe than sorry", right?

More importantly, we do not want the government to end up subsidising another loss-making venture like the existing ferry service or the controversial Port Klang Free Zone project in Selangor.

nazrey

September 30th, 2009, 03:25 AM

Integrate services at Weld Quay
Tuesday September 29, 2009
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/9/29/north/4793164&sec=North

The Weld Quay terminal, a notable landmark and gateway to Penang Island, should be redeveloped into a public transportation hub with the ferry, port and other transportation services integrated into one.

Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the terminal had the potential of being transformed into the island’s main transportation hub with the future LRT or inter-city bus services integrated into it as well.

Responding to a statement by Penang Port Sdn Bhd’s (PPSB) managing director and CEO Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar who said that PPSB would segregate its ferry services into a wholly-owned subsidiary by Thursday, he said: “The Finance Ministry should look at the ferry terminal in its re-development plan. The terminal, which is supposed to provide a welcoming ambience for tourists, looks run-down.

“A complete facelift is long overdue. The state government is willing to coorperate with the Federal Government in this initiative to transform Weld Quay.”

Ahmad said the move was instructed by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in the Prime Minister’s Department and had been approved by the Finance Ministry.

He added that the segregation of services would allow the ferry operator to receive better support from the Government as a public transportation services provider.

Chow said the current upgrading of the Weld Quay bus terminal by Rapid Penang was a good but was “only an interim solution” and that an overall and comprehensive upgrade was necessary as a long term measure.

“Together with the Tanjung City Marina and Swettenham Port expansion, Weld Quay could be a catalyst for growth in the harbour area,” he said.

nazrey

October 4th, 2009, 06:06 PM

PM Najib in France for official visit
2009/10/04
Nuraina A Samad reporting from Paris

PARIS: Datuk Seri Najib Razak begins his four-day official visit to France today, marking his first to a European country since becoming Prime Minister.

Najib, accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, is scheduled to arrive at the Le Bourget Airport early today.

Malaysian Student In France Wants To Put Public Transport On Track
October 04, 2009 23:05 PM

By Leslean Arshad PARIS, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- With the relevant knowledge and techology gained in France, electrical engineering student Ahmad Shukri Amin Ahmed Ismail is set to improve Malaysia's public transportation.

Two years ago, the 26-year-old, from Penang, conducted a study on public transportation operated by RapidPenang in the island.

His conclusion: There was still room for improvement for Malaysia's public transportation.

"It (the transportation) is okay, but not to perfection," said the student of the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis when describing the current public transport service in Penang.

Ahmad Shukri, whose specialisation is automotive robotics, believed that he and his Malaysian peers in France could make a difference to Malaysia's transportation system, given a chance.

"We have the technology and knowldge that Malaysia can use and benefit but we not sure they (the authorities) want it.

"We are hoping that they are willing to accept our new ideas," he said when met during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's arrival for a four-day working visit to France on Sunday.

Ahmad Shukri will be joining other Malaysian students here to meet Najib later.

Comparing the transportation system in Penang's Georgetown to France's Nice, he said, what was visibly lacking back home were the bus schedules, mapping system and unnamed bus stops.

As such, he was prepared to submit a proposal to the relevant parties to improve the public transportation system.

Ahmad Shukri said Malaysian students in France were generally concerned with the country's economy and job prospects back home but were confident in Najib's administration to steer the economy on the right track.

-- BERNAMA

khensthoth

October 4th, 2009, 07:28 PM

Comparing the transportation system in Penang's Georgetown to France's Nice, he said, what was visibly lacking back home were the bus schedules, mapping system and unnamed bus stops.

Aren't those obvious?

P.S.: RapidPenang has a schedule, they just find it difficult to keep with it. RapidPenang also has a mapping system, it's just internal. RapidPenang have plans of upgrading bus stations, most likely they would consider a naming system too. If they didn't, they didn't read the email I sent two years ago when they first set up.

P.P.S.: I tried to ask them for help developing a better map for Penangites, by asking them to donate their GPS data to OpenStreetMap (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=5.41613&lon=100.33376&zoom=16&layers=B000FTF) so I can map it. In return, they might get people to develop sophisticated scheduling application based on it, and possibly fulfil some social responsibility. After several exchanges of email, they stopped replying altogether, and hence the sad state of the map currently.

nazrey

October 25th, 2009, 08:46 PM

Transport project to stir Penang waters
By Kang Siew Li Published: 2009/10/26

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20091025234112/pix_topright

MERCHANT vessels and fishing boats may soon have to share the busy waters around Penang with cruise or excursion boats, passenger ferries and water taxis, under the proposed waterborne transportation project linking Penang island to the mainland.

“Under the proposed project, we will have a selection of boats to cater to different markets. It depends on the target market and water taxis are just one option,” Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) senior vice-president of manufacturing industry division, Chris Tan, told Business Times.

In July this year, the federal government had approved RM50 million under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to NCIA, a unit under the Prime Minister’s Department, to carry out the project.

Under the proposal, it will be done in three phases, which is to target the foreign tourists who visit Penang in the first phase, domestic tourists in the second and the general public in the third.

As the service builds up its critical mass of users, water taxis or passenger ferries may be introduced to provide transport to the public.

This service will be scheduled with multiple stops, operating in a similar manner to a bus, or on demand to many locations, just like a land taxi.

Which routes will the proposed service ply? The answer will depend on the final results of its feasibility study, said Tan.
In July, Penang Port Commission chairman Tan Cheng Liang was reported as saying that 10 proposed coastal points have been identified for the service: Butterworth, Bagan Ajam, Pulau Aman and Nibong Tebal on the mainland; and Weld Quay, Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Tokong, Pantai Jerejak and Batu Maung on the island.

“The location of the stops has not been decided yet. But we will probably select two to three stops with heavy traffic to begin with to as many as 15 stops once the project is completed.
“We will start with the routes that have the highest probability of success,” said Tan.

The pricing mechanism for the proposed water-based transportation project will also depend on the results of its feasibility study.

Meanwhile, NCIA is willing to work with interested entrepreneurs or private boat operators to launch the project.
“If there is any private company that already sees the potential of the project and has its own internal infrastructure and think it can kick something off, we are always willing to listen … If it wants to start something earlier before we conclude our study, by all means, come and let us know as long as the plan does not compromise our bottom line.

“The (federal) government’s agreement to proceed with this project is based on the understanding that we will only fund the physical infrastructure such as construction of jetty and ferry terminals, car parks, covered walkways and ticket machines.

“The sustainability of the business model is key and the best people to develop the business model are private business owners themselves,” said Tan, adding that NCIA has no intention to operate any of the ferry or water taxi services.

allurban

October 26th, 2009, 08:03 AM

Aren't those obvious?

P.S.: RapidPenang has a schedule, they just find it difficult to keep with it. RapidPenang also has a mapping system, it's just internal. RapidPenang have plans of upgrading bus stations, most likely they would consider a naming system too. If they didn't, they didn't read the email I sent two years ago when they first set up.

P.P.S.: I tried to ask them for help developing a better map for Penangites, by asking them to donate their GPS data to OpenStreetMap (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=5.41613&lon=100.33376&zoom=16&layers=B000FTF) so I can map it. In return, they might get people to develop sophisticated scheduling application based on it, and possibly fulfil some social responsibility. After several exchanges of email, they stopped replying altogether, and hence the sad state of the map currently.can you send me some details of your proposal...email to klangvalley.transit@gmail.com

Cheers, m

lohxy

January 4th, 2010, 11:16 AM

If water taxi is operational, I think it is no need to build the second bridge. And maybe no need for the monorail to cross the strait!

nazrey

January 29th, 2010, 08:51 AM

Penang structure plan: Rail and water transportation systems

http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/9233/rajah13134sk.jpg

PENANG SENTRAL - an Integrated Transportation Hub
A new centre of connectivity is fast appearing....where a new transportation hub for integrating rail, ferry and bus services, will soon rise in the north...

Serving as the centre of transportation for Penang and the northern corridor, the hub also integrates retail, commercial and residential components within the planned 6 million square feet urban rejuvenation development.

This is Penang Sentral, your gateway to the Northern Corridor of Malaysia.

Penang Sentral will be developed and managed by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) and jointly owned with Permodalan Hartanah Bumiputra Berhad (PHBB).

http://www.tnbuilt.com/mixed%20developement_final/06%20fixed/02.jpg

http://www.tnbuilt.com/mixed%20developement_final/06%20fixed/05.jpg

lohxy

January 29th, 2010, 09:10 AM

It will be fun by going to the Georgetown city center by this:
High speed rail(from KL)-Monorail or water taxi(at Penang Sentral)-Tram(explore)

kenni-c

February 1st, 2010, 11:41 PM

Am I too sentimental in wanting the trams be brought back to Penang? Though I don't think its practically feasible (at least at the moment), I would like to see it at least once in my lifetime.. :):)

Also I think if the water taxi or water bus is required to work, there has to be substantial catchment population around the jetties, and to be honest, Penang is not Venice, water transport can only appeal to a very small community. In order for it to assume a larger role, connecting transport at each side of the strait has to be really good, otherwise no one will take the water taxi from Pengkalan Weld to Tanjung Tokong and left stranded there..

dh maju dh

February 2nd, 2010, 08:08 AM

lohxy

February 2nd, 2010, 01:32 PM

still dunno..

lohxy

March 4th, 2010, 04:16 AM

del

cullen

March 4th, 2010, 04:27 AM

2011 the draft will be ready. 2011-2012 for public comment. 2012 gazetted. and 2012 they might display again to the public for the coming election.....:sleepy:

so in between 2010 to 2012, anything change for penang traffic?

nazrey

March 4th, 2010, 06:38 AM

2011 target for Penang master plan
Thursday March 4, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/3/4/north/5787305&sec=North

THE first comprehensive study on Penang’s 2010 - 2030 Transportation Master Plan is expected to be ready next year.

The tender for research to draft the plan will be called once the State Financial Office approves the terms of reference.

Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said various government bodies were given until March 1 to give their feedback on the terms of reference draft submitted by the Public Transport Council (PTC) and technical committee.

“It took about six months to prepare the draft.

“The next stage is to prepare the tender document. Hopefully, the tender will be called by the end of the month or early April.

“Once the consultant is appointed, it will take about a year for the master plan to be ready.

“The consultant will have to study various aspects including public transportation, land use and traffic management,” he said.

He said the research into the impact of the Second Penang Bridge was particularly important to the master plan.

PTC member K.M. Lee said the transportation master plan would be the first for the state.

“Other studies have been about specific areas but this will be the most comprehensive one to date.

“The tender will be open for both local and international consultants. Whoever selected won’t be starting from scratch because we already have previous data and surveys to work with.

“What is needed is to update the data and to fill in the gaps,” he said.

He said the consultant would have to consider the suitability of the best public transportation option for the state and make its recommendation.

“The feasibility of public buses, monorail, light rail transit and tram will all have to be studied to find the most suitable and cheapest mode of transport for the people.

“The consultant will also have to formulate new roads and solutions to decongest existing ones,” he said.

He said the PTC website would be launched next week.

“The PTC is an advisory body and we want to inform the public of our activities as well as get their feedback,” he said.

lohxy

March 4th, 2010, 11:22 AM

Base on this map:
http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/9233/rajah13134sk.jpg
The water taxi is only available in Penang Island. Is there any problem to expand the water taxi to Penang Sentral?(Since the ferry is so old and I don't see any upgrades)

evoonsa

March 15th, 2010, 09:47 AM

Dear Penang, keep up the good job for researching the best infrastructure that fits Penangties for the comfort of life and future.

When PR makes a plan, is obvious and organize but it takes years for the Upper management to say ok i give you 1 million. For non-PR state, you dun need a plan! you only need to tell how much you need and said you have been doing the research for the pass 4 years thru news paper!!

Not that I am skeptic about it, but we all understand :)

dh maju dh

April 13th, 2010, 02:59 PM

any update news about penang tronsportation plan?????:cheers:

rizalhakim

May 26th, 2010, 06:50 AM

CEO shoots down proposal to surrender water taxi plan

THE proposed water taxi project in Penang is still at the planning stage.

A study is being carried out by the Northern Corridor Implemen-tation Agency (NCIA).

Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) managing director and CEO Datuk Ahmad Ibni Hajar said NCIA was still doing its studies.

“The proposal on the water taxis has to be handled properly as it is pointless to simply do it if, after a while, it becomes a white elephant,” he said.

PPSB is still interested in operating the water taxis from point to point, which is from Raja Tun Uda terminal on the island to Sultan Abdul Halim terminal in Butteworth, Ahmad said.

He said this when he was asked to comment on a recent statement by the Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang that it had been almost a year since the project was approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) council meeting.

Tan, in her statement, also said that PPC was prepared to take over the proposed project if PPSB was unable to carry it out.

Ahmad was speaking after handing RM19,700 worth of PPSB academic awards, comprising of cash prizes and certificates, to 63 students who scored good results in their public examinations last year.

He also said that the ferry fare collection by the PPSB had reduced significantly since the opening of the Penang Bridge in 1985.

“We are losing a revenue of about RM300,000 each month since the opening of the bridge.”

Last year, the losses for PPSB’s ferry operation was RM14.1mil while losses for the first quarter of this year was RM4mil, he said in response to PPSB’s proposed reduction in ferry operational hours soon as part of efforts to reduce operational expenditure.

rizalhakim

May 26th, 2010, 06:50 AM

Masaiuk

June 11th, 2010, 02:30 PM

hi, this masterplan seems a bit extravagant. doable? I doubt it. why even mention abt LRT/monorail when such project has been postponed indefinitely by the federal govt?

given the economic climate and lack of fund, in my view, it will be better to improve what we already have. how can the ferry be losing money?? it's crazy. we need innovative ideas to revive the ferry. The ferry service has not changed a single bit for the past 30 yrs except for a few coats of paints.

My biggest criticism is tht development is concentrated in the island, and the Province Wellesley remains more or less stagnant. OK, i grant you tht it has a better road links but look at the surrounding.

for the taxi ferry to be sustainable, it must have an efficient connecting transport system eg bus from terminals, in fact why not hav a dedicated bus lane reserved for these buses and get the corporate to 'adopt' a bus for tax incentives.

supremecouncillor

June 13th, 2010, 05:05 AM

ps5

June 21st, 2010, 10:55 AM

day dreaming bro..day dreaming...

I believe it is not just a dream, its a VISION!!
...may be VISION 2080? :soon:

nazrey

September 28th, 2010, 04:17 PM

Double deckers for state
By EDMUND NGO Sunday September 26, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/9/26/north/7106033&sec=North

GEORGE TOWN: Double-decker Rapid Penang buses, which can take up to 100 passengers each, will ply major routes at the end of next year, said Rapid Penang chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad .

He said these double deckers and 140 more normal-sized stage buses would be brought in under the 10th Malaysian Plan.

Azhar said Penang would be the first state in Malaysia to have double-decker stage buses.

“These double deckers are of the same width but higher than our current buses. They are very cost-effective,” he said, adding that current Rapid Penang buses could carry up to 60 passengers each.

Azhar explained that these double-deckers would hit the streets in stages to ply routes in high-density areas like Air Itam, Paya Terubong, Bayan Baru and Bukit Gedung.

“We will not impose higher fares for those using these buses,” Azhar told reporters during a Hari Raya open house held by Rapid Penang at the Weld Quay Bus Depot here yesterday.

On a separate matter, Azhar proposed to the state government that free bus services run on the first two days of the coming Chinese New Year.

“Many people return to Penang during the festive season and if the proposal is approved, we will be able to reduce traffic congestion,” he said.

He has also proposed a similar bus service from the mainland to the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone.

“This service, involving three buses, will operate like the Central Area Transit shuttle buses as we want to reduce congestion on the bridge,” he said.

He added that if approved, the ‘Park and Ride’ system would also be implemented on the mainland.

“The system will allow bus commuters to park their cars in the bus station and ride the bus to the island,” he said.

nazrey

September 28th, 2010, 04:40 PM

NGOs sceptical of need for double-decker buses
Tuesday September 28, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/9/28/north/7112795&sec=North

SEVERAL non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have questioned the need for double-decker buses in Penang, claiming it seemed more like a novelty.

Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S. M. Mohd Idris said it could be just a fad that would eventually cause problems.

He said Rapid Penang must first conduct a study to see whether the people needed such buses which could be popular initially.

“But over time, high maintenance and passenger issues will crop up,” he told reporters during CAP’s annual lunch gathering at its training centre in Jalan Air Itam yesterday.

Mohd Idris was commenting on news reports on Sunday that Rapid Penang would introduce 60 double-decker buses to ply major routes at the end of next year.

Rapid Penang chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad was quoted as saying the buses could take up to 100 passengers each and would hit the streets in high-density areas like Air Itam, Paya Terubong, Bayan Baru and Bukit Gedung.

He said in the 1950s, double-decker buses were introduced in Penang but the services were eventually stopped due to high maintenance costs.

“Instead of introducing the huge double-decker buses, Rapid Penang could look into having smaller buses plying shorter routes which will be of real convenience to the man on the street,” he added.

Penang-based Citizens for Public Transport (Cepat) co-ordinator and a member of the Penang State Transport Council Dr Choong Sim Poey said he could not see how double-decker buses would help increase the efficiency of the public transportation system.

“The present Rapid Penang buses are still not fully loaded as a result of inconsistent traffic schedule caused by traffic congestion.

“Rapid Penang has to look into issues such as bottle-necks and traffic congestion before introducing such buses because bigger buses would require higher maintenance.

Azhar said Rapid Penang wanted to introduce the double-decker buses not because it was a novelty but due to requests by commuters via the company’s e-mail and telephone calls.

“These buses are cost-effective and will only be plying high density areas,” he said.

Azhar said it had been proven to be effective and popular in countries like Hong Kong and Singapore.

He added that the company had carried out a test in July where a double-decker bus was used to ply the Teluk Bahang, Paya Terubong and Bukit Gedung routes over a few days.

“It had proven to be cost-effective as it involves the capacity of two bus loads at one and a half cost of a normal bus,” he said.

TYW

September 29th, 2010, 10:04 PM

Maybe an articulated bus might be more efficient??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articulated_bus

not sure if the turning radius of the roads in Penang can support these buses though...

samson

October 2nd, 2010, 06:12 AM

forrestcat

October 2nd, 2010, 06:01 PM

I always feel dissapointed on the federal government handle on Penang development manner just because they concern on politic interest or even skin interest. What a narrow mindset.

Penang have huge potential to became a city like our neighbourhood country Singapore on Malaysian Version for the reason Penang island has Peninsular Malaysia for supporting by full of resources, strategic location just inside the triangle of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia and Malacca Strate - the most busiest sea way in the world. just because its lack of public facilities. If they serve with the world class public facilites from the land to the sea it will became 2nd Kuala Lumpur. What the reason we could not have 2 metropolitan? because of the skin reason? must remembered once Penang do became a city like Kuala Lumpur now the surrounding area like kedah, perlis, north perak will coming up as well.

what skin reason bullshit!!

Please remind urself that Penang received mega projects like the penang bridge with another one coming and komtar, ince the tallest building in malaysian and the feddies have also actively promoted Penang as manufacturing hub and still does!! RapidPenang was also implemented rather swiftly and not long after rapidKL..also another federal intiative!!

For a state with barely 2 million it has received alot of dole from the central government.

Venycal

October 2nd, 2010, 06:29 PM

@samson
Yea...there seems to be a lack of planning and implementation from the governments for the future development of the Northern Region.

Batu Kawan/Southern S.Prai seems to be the only area that will grow because of the second link. Few years back Bertam was growing well with RM1.2 billion investment from Naza but the development in Bertam seems to be in stagnant again. Other areas like Butterworth/Prai/Bukit Mertajam/Sungai Petani/Kulim/Alor Setar doesn't seems to be growing much either.

Venycal

October 2nd, 2010, 06:50 PM

what skin reason bullshit!!

Please remind urself that Penang received mega projects like the penang bridge with another one coming and komtar, ince the tallest building in malaysian and the feddies have also actively promoted Penang as manufacturing hub and still does!! RapidPenang was also implemented rather swiftly and not long after rapidKL..also another federal intiative!!

For a state with barely 2 million it has received alot of dole from the central government.

yea...calling it a skin reason is a little bit too much.
Because if it's purely skin reason, they would have developed Seberang Prai more in the past and neglect the island.

I think it's more of a 'Opposition Vs. Federal' agenda. But the Federal had denied it and claimed they would help the PR states equally as the BN states. I'm hoping that they are sincere about it because the Northen Region will lose out a lot if both the state government and central government do not cooperate.

allurban

October 2nd, 2010, 07:43 PM

khensthoth

October 3rd, 2010, 09:19 AM

Now you know why Penang projects move so slowly. It's a melting pot of all kinds of NGO, with all kinds of claims.

dh maju dh

October 3rd, 2010, 09:40 AM

sepatutnya penang perlu dapat trem dahulu sebelum melaka....

Muntz

October 3rd, 2010, 10:06 AM

what skin reason bullshit!!

Please remind urself that Penang received mega projects like the penang bridge with another one coming and komtar, ince the tallest building in malaysian and the feddies have also actively promoted Penang as manufacturing hub and still does!! RapidPenang was also implemented rather swiftly and not long after rapidKL..also another federal intiative!!

For a state with barely 2 million it has received alot of dole from the central government.

Haha! Hell right! Penang has many highways including Penang Bridge.. and second Penang Bridge some more. Infrastructures given by the feds to Penang is one of the biggest in Malaysia. Unlike states like Sarawak, we have to pay RM10 just to cross a mere 200-300m bridge, but Penangites pays fraction of that price for 13km-long bridge! Oh.. didn't I mention that RM10 is for one-way ticket only? :nuts::nuts:

buildship

October 3rd, 2010, 10:30 AM

Haha! Hell right! Penang has many highways including Penang Bridge.. and second Penang Bridge some more. Infrastructures given by the feds to Penang is one of the biggest in Malaysia. Unlike states like Sarawak, we have to pay RM10 just to cross a mere 200-300m bridge, but Penangites pays fraction of that price for 13km-long bridge! Oh.. didn't I mention that RM10 is for one-way ticket only? :nuts::nuts:

can you say it is because Sarawak has overwhelm support to federal which in turn they have no worries to charge higher to sarawakian?:nuts:

I guess you must be a sarawakian who support BN rulling style. Then is up to you to choose.
Penang has obviously gain nothing much from BN since Koh Tsu Koon (>15 years) took over from Lim Chong Eu. Penang bridge and Komtar are all brainchild of Lim Chong Eu and contribution from him, as a penangite, I acknowledged it.

asd5139

October 3rd, 2010, 04:21 PM

Haha! Hell right! Penang has many highways including Penang Bridge.. and second Penang Bridge some more. Infrastructures given by the feds to Penang is one of the biggest in Malaysia. Unlike states like Sarawak, we have to pay RM10 just to cross a mere 200-300m bridge, but Penangites pays fraction of that price for 13km-long bridge! Oh.. didn't I mention that RM10 is for one-way ticket only? :nuts::nuts:

hahaha.. what a mindset.. don't u remember the second bridge was because of pak lah was PM at that time.. so can build bridge la... after they lose, at first they want to scrap the project but then continue.. yalah if not buruk siku la( a malay saying) or maybe to gain support back...:bash:

samson

October 3rd, 2010, 04:54 PM

what skin reason bullshit!!

Please remind urself that Penang received mega projects like the penang bridge with another one coming and komtar, ince the tallest building in malaysian and the feddies have also actively promoted Penang as manufacturing hub and still does!! RapidPenang was also implemented rather swiftly and not long after rapidKL..also another federal intiative!!

For a state with barely 2 million it has received alot of dole from the central government.
First of all, I'm not here to spread skin agenda and I love peace with hates of racist. btw, it is quite obvious that since Mr. Koh's hand Penang was stagnant.
Even I'm agreed that what Singapore's senior minister Mr.Lee has mentioned Penang infrastructure is not improving alot. On my eyes Penang especially island is huge of potential to became world class city with a few fly over and 2nd link are not really enough to improve to transportation condition in this city. They need more for the future:) I would say 20 years ago those cities development behind Penang, today they are doing much more better than Penang like Xiamen and many more.

khoojyh

October 15th, 2010, 08:57 AM

First of all, I'm not here to spread skin agenda and I love peace with hates of racist. btw, it is quite obvious that since Mr. Koh's hand Penang was stagnant.
Even I'm agreed that what Singapore's senior minister Mr.Lee has mentioned Penang infrastructure is not improving alot. On my eyes Penang especially island is huge of potential to became world class city with a few fly over and 2nd link are not really enough to improve to transportation condition in this city. They need more for the future:) I would say 20 years ago those cities development behind Penang, today they are doing much more better than Penang like Xiamen and many more.

Bro.... its the matter not only about Penang development is chased up by other cities in the world, actually its about the nation wide development is chased up by other countries, obviously Vientam will take place.

How about Malaysia vs China, South Korea, UAE, Qatar, Turkey in 20 years ago, play forward, how about recent year?

They are catching up and some countries even left Malaysia far behind them.....

samson

October 15th, 2010, 05:41 PM

Bro.... its the matter not only about Penang development is chased up by other cities in the world, actually its about the nation wide development is chased up by other countries, obviously Vientam will take place.

How about Malaysia vs China, South Korea, UAE, Qatar, Turkey in 20 years ago, play forward, how about recent year?

They are catching up and some countries even left Malaysia far behind them.....
Malaysia in 60S same as Korea
70s behind Korea same as Taiwan
80s behind Taiwan same as Singapore
90s behind Singapore but same as Shanghai
2000s Shanghai move over Malaysia, Malaysia same as Thailand
2010s Thailand move over Malaysia same as Indonesia
10 more year Philipine, Indonesia move over Malaysia
20 more year Vietname take over us
30 more year Cambodia, even Laos maybe take over us :bash::bash:
our next generation may has risk to work as labour in those countries now still behind of us if we do not move forward still keep quarrel with own national citizen...

asd5139

October 15th, 2010, 07:15 PM

^^^ agreed

supremecouncillor

October 16th, 2010, 04:20 PM

Penangites are not happy with PORR because they have to pay toll and PGCC because these project will disturb their privacy and create traffic jam. For me Penang is just a small piece of land. New development will cost a lot of money. So its better to develop a vacant land somewhere in Johor which is nearer to ever existing Singapore. Why waste so much money and at the same time have to quarrel with people who think that they are going to live forever?

dh maju dh

October 16th, 2010, 04:45 PM

penangite need monorail ma....

khoojyh

October 22nd, 2010, 06:52 PM

buildship

October 22nd, 2010, 08:00 PM

Duuuhhhh..... just move penang near to Klang Valley or move capital city from KL to Penang, otherwise dont dream monorail and PORR will be start construction in shortly.

Even state government and central government are control by BN, Penang will not get all this in shortly. its very funny is that, i heard this about this project since i was studied in secondary school, i am now 25yo ady, all parties still bargain, negotiate, cakap sini, bohong sana and bla bla bla.... what the hell......

Let see what else big project Penang will get before d next election.
maybe monorail upgrade to MRT???
Third bridge connect Gurney to Peninsular??
New Penang Int Airport in Seberang Prai??
Penang Port Extention??

They will just say " Believe us, its for people future"

lol, totally agreed. Last time, state and federal are under BN, monorail and 2nd bridge already proposed long time ago...till now, just see hows the progress (2nd bridge has a slow progress, LRT? nothing)

BN has done a big mistake when they hold the state by not developing the state (except Lim Chong Eu as CM)...thats why, BN actually had force penangites to choose their opponent:lol:

nazrey

October 31st, 2010, 03:01 PM

Weld Quay/Jetty, centre of Rapid Penang Bus operation
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/5128202956_5b4cf15d8f_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alifpauzi/5128202956/

dinoleon

November 1st, 2010, 08:38 AM

Weld Quay/Jetty, centre of Rapid Penang Bus operation
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/5128202956_5b4cf15d8f_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alifpauzi/5128202956/

I heard that RapidPG is probably the best in Malaysia, and better than RapidKL in terms of services?

ganz77

November 3rd, 2010, 06:04 PM

so i heard... a small organization is better

allurban

November 3rd, 2010, 10:16 PM

so i heard... a small organization is betterLeadership and forward thinking is also important.

I like that Azhar Ahmad does not 'take orders' from the MD of Prasarana in KL.

And he is a good planner and has a good vision for public transport expansion in Penang.

And he is trying to cooperate with other bus operators and the local and state government.

Cheers, m

proud_penangite

November 4th, 2010, 01:24 PM

yeah penang doesnt need monorail if the transportation system is good. but penang does need a monorail! lol

supremecouncillor

November 4th, 2010, 02:36 PM

I propose a travellator in Penang. Something like in KLIA and Singapore Harbour Centre Terminal but longer. People will love this because they don't have to walk. The best places should be from Weld Quay - Penang Road - KOMTAR - PTS - General Hospital, Gurney Drive - Seri Tanjong Pinang - Tanjung Bunga - Batu Feringghi, Bayan Baru Town Centre - Queensbay / Bukit Jambul - USM, Seberang Jaya Town Centre - Seberang Jaya Hospital - Megamal Prai and Bandar Perda - Aeon Seberang Perai City - BM Town Centre.

dh maju dh

November 4th, 2010, 03:10 PM

yeah penang doesnt need monorail if the transportation system is good. but penang does need a monorail! lol

^^PENANG NEED MONORAIL TOO.... YEAHHH

supremecouncillor

November 4th, 2010, 03:42 PM

Weld Quay/Jetty, centre of Rapid Penang Bus operation
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/5128202956_5b4cf15d8f_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alifpauzi/5128202956/

RapidPenang is planning for double decker buses next year..some improvement.

buildship

November 4th, 2010, 04:25 PM

Leadership and forward thinking is also important.

I like that Azhar Ahmad does not 'take orders' from the MD of Prasarana in KL.

And he is a good planner and has a good vision for public transport expansion in Penang.

And he is trying to cooperate with other bus operators and the local and state government.

Cheers, m

As a penangite, I agree RapidPenang has done a good job in improving the public transport system. I wont care much if the conventional bus companies lossing out the game, as long as the services provided are in good quality and affordable by public.

If federal can continue carry on this good job such as water taxi and LRT/monorail system to improve further the transportation, well, guess it wont be impossible people will consider and compare which is a better choice. Always hope the politic aside when considering about development..

supremecouncillor

November 4th, 2010, 06:23 PM

Something like this i suppose..
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7224/kcq8588.jpg (http://img261.imageshack.us/i/kcq8588.jpg/)

t3ars_culprit

November 7th, 2010, 12:00 PM

Duuuhhhh..... just move penang near to Klang Valley or move capital city from KL to Penang, otherwise dont dream monorail and PORR will be start construction in shortly.

Even state government and central government are control by BN, Penang will not get all this in shortly. its very funny is that, i heard this about this project since i was studied in secondary school, i am now 25yo ady, all parties still bargain, negotiate, cakap sini, bohong sana and bla bla bla.... what the hell......

Let see what else big project Penang will get before d next election.
maybe monorail upgrade to MRT???
Third bridge connect Gurney to Peninsular??
New Penang Int Airport in Seberang Prai??
Penang Port Extention??

They will just say " Believe us, its for people future"

I disagree with the construction of 2nd bridge though... If possible replace with MRT/LRT will be better...

erwinkarim

November 7th, 2010, 03:25 PM

I disagree with the construction of 2nd bridge though... If possible replace with MRT/LRT will be better...

lrt/mrt can't ship millions of tonnes of goods that created by factories in batu kawan.

factories in batu kawan won't exists if there's no 2nd penang bridge...

lrt/mrt is good, but 2nd brige is essential to penang....

project aliciel

November 7th, 2010, 05:19 PM

I think a double deck bridge with road and rail is good like Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong, but it is too costly. An railway into Penang Island do conveniently connects those cargo and passenger in Penang Island to mainland.

Penangite rail terminus in Butterworth is not really convenient to Penangites, unless a MRT line (East-West) from Air Itam/Paya Terubong pass through current Butterworth terminal by a undersea tunnel/bridge across North Channel and stops in Butterworth or have through service to Kulim via Seberang Jaya and Bukit Mertajam.

bukhrin

November 7th, 2010, 07:43 PM

He he, water taxis between B'woth and G'town would be romantic also kan ? Though I wonder if would have problem with the ships traffic at the Penang Port.

TYW

November 9th, 2010, 05:52 PM

i think both the 2nd bridge and a metro system is equally important for penang.

penang's transport infrastructure has not developed much over the past 20 years

supremecouncillor

November 10th, 2010, 01:56 AM

daeng_jal

November 16th, 2010, 10:05 AM

BN has done a big mistake when they hold the state by not developing the state (except Lim Chong Eu as CM)...thats why, BN actually had force penangites to choose their opponent:lol:

maybe not BN,it gerakan kot,.they put a kura kura incharge for so long of time:lol:..

Let see what else big project Penang will get before d next election.
maybe monorail upgrade to MRT???
Third bridge connect Gurney to Peninsular??
New Penang Int Airport in Seberang Prai??
Penang Port Extention??

i wonder if any of this project can be private company driven

a 3rd bridge,can follow HK example just reclaim to form a seberang perai peninsular and and in gurney will probably offset the lenght of the bridge and the cost of the bridge can be offset by developing those land + toll

an airport in seberang prai can be done by developing the old airport land

penang port extension..maybe sell it to the higgest bidder

haha..i'm not sure,but if u ask najib for $$$,he may not listen,..but if u say,lets do this then u get $$$..

for sure najib,if not rosmah will love:lol::lol:

buildship

November 16th, 2010, 11:12 AM

maybe not BN,it gerakan kot,.they put a kura kura incharge for so long of time:lol:..

i wonder if any of this project can be private company driven

a 3rd bridge,can follow HK example just reclaim to form a seberang perai peninsular and and in gurney will probably offset the lenght of the bridge and the cost of the bridge can be offset by developing those land + toll

an airport in seberang prai can be done by developing the old airport land

penang port extension..maybe sell it to the higgest bidder

haha..i'm not sure,but if u ask najib for $$$,he may not listen,..but if u say,lets do this then u get $$$..

for sure najib,if not rosmah will love:lol::lol:

dont forget Gerakan is part of BN.

And yet, BN was holding both state and federal to determine the development of Penang for >15 years, proven BN is useless.

UMNO Penang in charge of finance + land, Tsu Koon of Gerakan remains silent when corruption happen in Penang, end up no development during Tsu Koon time except the corruptions:cheers:

The best development period of Penang would be Lim Chong Eu (Gerakan-BN) and Lim Guan Eng (PR) era.

project aliciel

November 16th, 2010, 04:15 PM

Penang falls because of Gerakan itself. Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon terlalu lemah lembut already. Tan Sri Koh is not a capable leader, sooner Gerakan will fail like PPP. PPP's power base is in Perak especially Ipoh, once it lost his power base, he lost everything because other BN component party won't trust it's capability to take back the constituency. Same case for Gerakan because Gerakan lost its power base in Penang.

For Penang development:
I think we must define a CBD for Penang. Firstly, the financial center of Penang should move away from George Town and move to Bayan Baru.

MPPP should seperate itself into several wards for easy planning:
URBAN DISTRICTS
Tanjung Bungah-Tanjung Tokong (High Rise Waterfront Residential)
Bagan Jermal - Gurney (Shopping and Esplande, like Orchard-Somerset in Singapore)
Batu Gantung (leave what it is now)
Dato' Keramat (consists of the western part of Old City that do not include into World Heritage Site and it's buffer zone.)
Heritage District of George Town (Strict architecture and height control, pedestrian only, tram as major internal transport, connected by metro from outside, cars and motorbikes are required to park their cars in the parking complex at the outskirts of the district)
Jelutong (Southern portion of old city and Jelutong, KOMTAR as boundary, mixed development comprises middle rise buildings [lower than 32 stories.])
Gelugor (Central section of Penang Island East Coast, serves as major gateway of Penang Island, it should be green and beautiful, middle and low rise development encouraged.)
Bayan Baru (Central-south section of Penang Island East Coast includes Bukit Jambul, serves as new CBD of Penang with lots of high rises and well planned viaduct reserves for APL that moves people within the district and metro lines from other district into it.)
Bayan Lepas (Central-south-south section of Penang Island East Coast comprises current airport. The airport should moved out to lift the height control over Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas, the industrial area should moved to Batu Kawan, and should expand larger and have a deep water port there, for easy product import/export.)
Batu Maung (Southern section of Penang Island East Coast), comprises high rise waterfront development all over the district.
Air Itam (Central portion of hilly part of Penang Island, Botanical Gardens, and Penang Hill. High rise development in the Lower Air Itam (Rifle's Range), and limited development in Middle Air Itam (around Thean Teik Estate, Kek Lok Si, and the old town), high rise development in Upper Air Itam, Paya Terubong. Upper Air Itam should have strong traffic dispersal to Bayan Baru and George Town which two-lane dual carraigeway and tunnel from Farlim to Jalan Bukit Gambier is built, to prevent massive traffic surge into Air Itam Old Town causes serious jam there. Air Itam Old Town is traffic chokepoint of the whole route from George Town to Paya Terubong.)

RURAL DISTRICTS:
Teluk Kumbar (Southern section of Penang Island should ready for future development, Teluk Kumbar is a good place for medium-rise condominiums: which is medium rise in waterfront, high rise when it comes near the hill. Teluk Kumbar is a picturesque are which is well surrounded by hill and sea.)
Gertak Sanggul-Balik Pulau (Comprises southern part of hilly central Penang Island and its Southwestern part, beaches and resorts, university campuses are best located here.)
Pantai Acheh (Comprises West Coast of Penang Island, which it's covered mostly by wetlands. New airport can build here by reclaiming the land from wetlands. If airport don't build there, then leave it.)
Batu Feringghi (Comprises North Coast of Penang Island, which is hilly. Resort center of Penang Island, limited development)

project aliciel

November 16th, 2010, 04:45 PM

The best location for transportation hub in Penang would be Seberang Jaya. Reasons:

1. Located at the heart of North South and BKE Expressway, Seberang Jaya is a direct access to Sungai Petani, Alor Star (north), Ipoh (south), Penang Island (throuh Penang Bridge) and Kulim / Kota Bharu (east).

2. Build only a single railway terminal for passenger in Seberang Jaya and close down the under utilise railway stations in Bukit Mertajam and Butterworth.

3. Build another railway track via Penang Bridge to Penang Island and stationed it somewhere Queensbay or The Light.

4. For ferry services, build another terminals may be in Bayan Lepas or Batu Feringghi

Seberang Jaya will only suitable for Seberang Perai only, it is far away from the Penang Island, and current all of the high rise condominiums, financial center and recreational center is focused on the Penang Island. Butterworth is the best place because it is the connecting point between Seberang Perai and Penang Island.

Unless Penang Island have a place for it's Central Station, and the state government have funds for it.

If the funds is not limited:
I think government take over Minden Heights and develop it into skyscraper complex completed with Central Station completed with 6 platforms reserved for KTMB and 4 for HSR, a railway bridge is built from mainland to the island. The railway bridge consists of double tracked dual gauge rail for both KTMB trains and HSR. This station called Penang Island, connects the island northbound to Bangkok, Southbound to Singapore, East Bound to Kulim and further to East Coast and Betong.

This station also consists metro stations that one line connects from Bayan Lepas via Bukit Jambul, Bukit Gambier to Tanjung Bungah via Batu Gantung, Jalan Kelawei and Persiaran Gurney, one line connects from Batu Maung via Queensbay to heritage site via KOMTAR and the waterfront.

This station consists of mixed development includes central express bus station (1st floor, direct enter and exit from Penang Bridge), convention center, shopping mall, exhibition center, office and residential towers and hanging garden (Multiple tower on a base structure, where the base structure top is composed by garden). The tower should built in modern and also environmental concious. This structure is the gateway and image of Penang Island, because it directly faces the Penang Bridge and the rail bridge proposed.

With a Penang Island Central Station, Seberang Perai Central Station in Seberang Jaya can be considered.

And this always only a dream.

If the funds are limited:
Concentrate more on Weld Quay-Butterworth Jetty connectivity.

=========================================================================================
The airport must move away, either at the mainland (Juru) or reclaimation land from the swamplands between Pantai Acheh and Sungai Pinang and the runway must run North-South. This can relieve the height control of Bayan Baru-Bayan Lepas and the Penang able to move most of it's financial center out of historical area to Bayan Baru-Bayan Lepas plain, and historical area can be well developed, as what we can see in Malacca.

daeng_jal

November 27th, 2010, 05:51 PM

daeng_jal

November 27th, 2010, 05:56 PM

dont forget Gerakan is part of BN.

And yet, BN was holding both state and federal to determine the development of Penang for >15 years, proven BN is useless.

UMNO Penang in charge of finance + land, Tsu Koon of Gerakan remains silent when corruption happen in Penang, end up no development during Tsu Koon time except the corruptions:cheers:

The best development period of Penang would be Lim Chong Eu (Gerakan-BN) and Lim Guan Eng (PR) era.

ahmad ahchong dan muthu sama sama pencuri:)

lepastu biler kener tangkap,polis tu charge ahmad jer:lol:,muthu x mention lgsg :banana: dan ah chong tetiba jadi mangsa keadaan pulak:cheers:..x bersalah...malah org ckp..ala ala kesian ahchong

GOOD JOB BRO!!!!:)..

and equaling LCE 20++yrs to LGE 3yrs..fuyooo LGE is so power seh,..in 3 yrs already do more than 20++:lol:

Criticism against bus operator unjustified

It has been more than a month since I read the comments by S.M. Mohd Idris and Dr Choong Sim Poey criticising the proposal to buy 60 double-decker buses for RapidPenang and I still cannot shake off the feeling of disappointment.

I was disappointed that S.M. Mohd Idris likened the purchase of double-decker buses to a novelty. It is not as if RapidPenang was going to buy a retired London Routemaster (like Malacca did for the Panorama Melaka City Transport service) or that it plans to use the buses to operate a “hop-on-hop-off” tourist bus service like the one in Kuala Lumpur.

The 60 buses (part of a purchase of 200) will be used on existing bus routes that are heavily congested and well used by passengers. Buying buses with larger passenger capacity helps a company like RapidPenang lower its average costs and allows it to maintain the low fares mandated by the government.

The only other option is to purchase 18-metre long articulated buses (also known as “trailer” or “bendy” buses) but it would be a non-starter because Malaysian law only allows buses to be a maximum of 12 metres.

I was also disappointed by the comments from Dr Choong who suggested that RapidPenang should focus on reducing traffic congestion in Penang before buying the double-deckers. He is a member of the Penang Transport Council, a think-tank which has the ear of the state government and the authority to work with the Penang Island and Seberang Prai local councils to develop transport policy and work to reduce congestion.

In other words, if anyone should be expected to take a lead on traffic congestion issues, it should be the Penang Transport Council, not RapidPenang, which is just a bus company, albeit a well-managed one with good customer service.

RapidPenang has already taken major steps to improve public transport in Penang by focusing on increasing demand for public transport, improving the quality of service, and ensuring that the supply of buses is there to support the growth in demand. The purchase of double-decker buses will allow it to increase passenger capacity on popular, busy routes and keep its operating costs low, which means that fares and service will not have to be cut.

Some argue that bus operators should offer short distance routes using smaller capacity buses. Unfortunately, they do not realise that the concept of “shorter buses on shorter routes” does not work well in real life.

At best, it forces bus operators to face increased operating costs since a fleet made up entirely of smaller buses requires more drivers, more maintenance, and more fuel overall. At worst, it leads to a decline in service quality and safety standards brought about by minibuses in Kuala Lumpur and later in Penang – and now in other cities.

The real problem that public transport faces in Malaysia is a lack of cooperation between the Government and operators. Government-linked companies like RapidPenang and RapidKL face pressure from all sides – hostile bus operators, restrictive local councils, and a demanding public – but the federal government seems uninterested in changing the laws to allow public transport to work efficiently.

What we need is cooperation between the public, the bus operators, and all levels of government, with a common goal of improving public transport.

The Penang Transport Coun cil brings together the Government and the public to discuss transport issues but sadly, RapidPenang is not yet a member.
:)
But there is some hope that the Penang government and Rapid Penang will work together on public transport projects such as providing bus service in Bayan Lepas and operating a Penang bridge shuttle.

It would also be wonderful to see Rapid Penang looking into installing bicycle racks on their buses, and the state government look into building more bicycle infrastructure to support the growing demand for active transport and public transport in the state.

MOAZ YUSUF AHMAD,
Subang Jaya.

forrestcat

November 29th, 2010, 01:19 PM

A double decker bus would be nice to ride in the Penang bridge..can see the scenery better:).

allurban

November 29th, 2010, 06:28 PM

lrt/mrt can't ship millions of tonnes of goods that created by factories in batu kawan.

factories in batu kawan won't exists if there's no 2nd penang bridge...

lrt/mrt is good, but 2nd brige is essential to penang....true, but a rail link as part of the 2nd bridge would allow the firms direct access to the mainland and marshalling of trains.

Imagine if Penang implemented a cargo tram system like in the Netherlands, to bring goods across the bridge to Butterworth or a new marshalling yard in the south?

Cheers, m

allurban

November 29th, 2010, 06:34 PM

A double decker bus would be nice to ride in the Penang bridge..can see the scenery better:).It would make a lot of sense to use the double decker buses on the BEST route, since it will be very frequent and need extra capacity.

Each DD bus can carry 80 passengers or so...

But if the buses were only going on the BEST route and they could be put into a "special guideway" then RapidPenang could run 18m or 24m articulated buses and bypass the law that limits bus lengths to 12-m.

I've been told that this is how the planners for the JB bus-rapid transit system want to get around the existing law...

and an 18m articulated bus can carry nearly 140-150 passengers....

Cheers, m

World 2 World

November 30th, 2010, 10:14 AM

High quality double-decker buses to Penang next year

SYARIKAT Prasarana Negara Bhd (SPNB) will not cut corners in its spending to bring high quality double-decker buses to Penang next year.

Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said cost was not a concern.

He said they would ensure that the vehicles to be used were reliable and equipped with safety features.

Prasarana owns a fleet of buses in Penang, which are operated by Rapid Penang, a subsidiary of Rapid KL.

Azhar said the double-decker buses would be sourced from either Europe or Asia.

He said the usage of double-decker buses would be ideal for Penang, which was growing rapidly, as they could carry an additional 40% more passengers than ordinary buses.

“Double-decker buses have a proven track record in serving high density cities such as Hong Kong, which has been using double-decker buses for the past 25 years. These buses are also more cost effective to maintain,” he said in an interview.
more: thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/11/30/north/7499545&sec=North

forrestcat

December 1st, 2010, 01:55 PM

Noticed the RapidPenang buses in kepala batas empty most of the time, or is it because it's the weekend. kedah folks would usually take motorcycle for short distances(up to 20km), much more sense and easier although RapidPenang could serve commuters between penang and Kulim, Seberang perai and Kedah area near Penang as I have friends who works in Kulim and live in Butterworth and one who lives in Kepala Batas and work at Bayan Lepas Industrial zone. With Penang homes expensive like crazy, I bet more people will commute in between, RapidPenang will have to compete with cars and motorcycles and make itself a good alternative.

One thing I missed in Australia is the bus schedule which is punctual by the minute,it was bizarre seeing student and office people looking up bus schedules when I arrived there. if we can put this elementy in our bus system I am sure ridership will jump drastically.Malaysian too love predictability in our everyday lives.

nazrey

December 4th, 2010, 06:03 AM

State sets Jan 15 deadline for NCIA
Saturday December 4, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/12/4/north/7554558&sec=North

GEORGE TOWN: The Northern Corridor Implementation Agency (NCIA) has been given until Jan 15 to get back to the state government on its interest in collaborating on the state’s Transport Master Plan.

State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state had appointed a company to commission a study on the transportation plan a few months ago.

He said NCIA later showed interest to work with the state government on the water taxis, and other maritime transportation projects.

“We have no problem working with them, but we need to know fast whether they are interested to join us or they want to engage their own consultant to do a study,” he said in an interview yesterday.

On Sept 16, Chow had said that the fate of Penang’s water taxi plan would hinge on the master plan.

He said if NCIA wanted to cooperate with the state government on the study, then maybe partial funding for the study could come from the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) in the Prime Minister’s Office.

The NCIA could not be reached for comments.

allurban

December 5th, 2010, 06:32 AM

khensthoth

December 5th, 2010, 07:32 AM

Actually I suggested having properly numbered bus stops, displaying proper paper timetable and a LED screen showing the ETA of the next bus to the state government AND RapidPenang. That was already three years ago.

RapidPenang already has the basic infrastructure in place. The only thing keeping them from good implementation is the large investment and the crazy Penang traffic.

daeng_jal

December 5th, 2010, 08:42 AM

AnuarHisham

February 1st, 2011, 09:40 PM

The Land and Public Transport Authority is likely to spearhead Penang's proposed light rapid transit system, say sources

The federal government may revive a project to build a light rapid transit (LRT) system for Penang, as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion nationwide.

Business Times has learnt that the scheme is likely to be an expansion of the government's efforts to improve public transport via projects such as Kuala Lumpur's first mass rapid transit system (MRT) and the proposed light rail service in the Iskandar Development Region in Johor.

However, there is no known time-frame attached to this project.

"The Land and Public Transport Authority is likely to spearhead Penang's proposed LRT system," sources said.

If the project in Penang takes off after repeated attempts previously, there is expected to be an all-round sigh of relief, in the face of traffic jams which have been worsening for close to two decades.

Talk of a LRT system for Penang is not new, dating back to more than 10 years ago when the then state government had talked about the project, along with other proposals such as the Penang Outer Ring Road, a monorail system and a third connection for Penang island and Seberang Prai.

Although the projects have yet to take off, other methods to alleviate traffic congestion, such as the Jelutong Expressway (now renamed the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway) and the introduction of several one-way traffic systems in selected areas on Penang island and the mainland, have offered little respite to motorists and commuters.

The Penang Monorail was a proposed monorail line to be constructed under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) and Northern Corridor Economic Region.

The 37km monorail line, estimated to cost RM1.6 billion, was expected to be located on Penang island, with two lines to be built and possible extensions to Province Wellesley in the future.

After the mid-term review of the 9MP, however, the project has been postponed indefinitely.

"The proposed LRT for Penang," a source said, "is yet another federal government initiative to invest in Penang, following the current upgrade of the Penang International Airport and the second Penang Bridge."

Read more: Penang LRT back on track? http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/marcnyf/Article/index_html#ixzz1Ck3hT3Yc

TYW

February 2nd, 2011, 08:27 AM

No known time frame = NEVER :yes:

allurban

February 2nd, 2011, 06:58 PM

No known time frame = NEVER :yes:Or "We'll see who they elect later in 2011"

joke only, no reason to wait actually ... except that maybe SPAD is too busy with MRT + bus transformations in Klang Valley (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/2/2/central/7911271&sec=central).

Cheers, m

bukhrin

February 3rd, 2011, 01:20 AM

The 37km monorail line, estimated to cost RM1.6 billion

What is this ?? Throwing random numbers up in the air ? Even in the 90s it'd cost more than that. Sheesh.

By the way, anyone still has the proposed Penang LRT/Monorail alignment map ?

kl 2020 ideas

February 3rd, 2011, 02:46 AM

Penang LRT back on track?

The Land and Public Transport Authority is likely to spearhead Penang's proposed light rapid transit system, say sources

The federal government may revive a project to build a light rapid transit (LRT) system for Penang, as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion nationwide.

Business Times has learnt that the scheme is likely to be an expansion of the government's efforts to improve public transport via projects such as Kuala Lumpur's first mass rapid transit system (MRT) and the proposed light rail service in the Iskandar Development Region in Johor.

However, there is no known time-frame attached to this project.

"The Land and Public Transport Authority is likely to spearhead Penang's proposed LRT system," sources said.

If the project in Penang takes off after repeated attempts previously, there is expected to be an all-round sigh of relief, in the face of traffic jams which have been worsening for close to two decades.

Talk of a LRT system for Penang is not new, dating back to more than 10 years ago when the then state government had talked about the project, along with other proposals such as the Penang Outer Ring Road, a monorail system and a third connection for Penang island and Seberang Prai.

Although the projects have yet to take off, other methods to alleviate traffic congestion, such as the Jelutong Expressway (now renamed the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway) and the introduction of several one-way traffic systems in selected areas on Penang island and the mainland, have offered little respite to motorists and commuters.

The Penang Monorail was a proposed monorail line to be constructed under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) and Northern Corridor Economic Region.

The 37km monorail line, estimated to cost RM1.6 billion, was expected to be located on Penang island, with two lines to be built and possible extensions to Province Wellesley in the future.

After the mid-term review of the 9MP, however, the project has been postponed indefinitely.

"The proposed LRT for Penang," a source said, "is yet another federal government initiative to invest in Penang, following the current upgrade of the Penang International Airport and the second Penang Bridge."

TWK90

February 3rd, 2011, 03:59 AM

What is this ?? Throwing random numbers up in the air ? Even in the 90s it'd cost more than that. Sheesh.

By the way, anyone still has the proposed Penang LRT/Monorail alignment map ?

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/4/5/nation/13857834&sec=nation

TYW

February 3rd, 2011, 06:47 AM

Or "We'll see who they elect later in 2011"

joke only, no reason to wait actually ... except that maybe SPAD is too busy with MRT + bus transformations in Klang Valley (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/2/2/central/7911271&sec=central).

Cheers, m

ha ha... yea... that's what i thought... :cheers:

kl 2020 ideas

February 3rd, 2011, 06:49 AM

You mean this map?

http://blog.intproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/penang-porr-monorail-map2.jpg

http://anilnetto.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/monorailpenang.jpg

cl123

February 9th, 2011, 10:31 AM

Penang Monorial

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=66763&page=56

nazrey

March 7th, 2011, 08:57 AM

Penang to have water taxis
By MANJIT KAUR

GEORGE TOWN: The public can travel faster between various places on Penang island and Seberang Prai with the introduction of water taxis which is expected to take-off by the end of next year.

Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang said the project was approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) council meeting recently.

She said the PPC, which mooted the idea, had identified 10 proposed coastal points for the service.

She said the sites on the mainland are Butterworth, Bagan Ajam, Pulau Aman and Nibong Tebal, and Weld Quay, Tanjung Bunga, Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Tokong, Pantai Jerejak and Batu Maung on the island.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/15/nation/n_10routeswatertaxis.jpg

Tan said the water taxis will greatly help to reduce travelling time between various places in the state.

“For example, it will take more than two hours for the public to travel from Bagan Ajam in Butterworth to Batu Ferringhi on Penang island as they will have to take a ferry and then a bus.

“But with the water taxis, it will only take them about 30 minutes,” she said at a press conference here yesterday.

Tan said the service would be useful for those staying in Seberang Prai but working in Bayan Lepas factories or Batu Ferringhi hotels.

“It will also ease traffic congestion on the island and be an alternative mode of transport when there are traffic snarls on Penang Bridge.

“The service will provide new job opportunities and spur the tourism industry,” she said.

Tan said the service would be implemented by the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency (NCIA) under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

“The Federal Government has allocated RM50mil for the state water transportation services,” she said.

She said a consultant would be engaged to carry out a study on the project feasibility, the popularity of the routes and geographical impact.

“The consultant will take about three to four months to conduct the study,” she added.

NCIA senior vice-president Christopher Tan Chie Kiong said the final cost of the project could not be determined prior to the study.

“NCIA is expected to appoint a consultant by next month to commission the study but while waiting for it to be completed, we want to identify opportunities for pilot services with the existing infrastructure,” he said.

Water Taxis Will Make Splash For Transportation, Tourism In Penang
March 05, 2011 16:01 PM

KEPALA BATAS, March 5 (Bernama) -- Water taxis will make a splash for transportation and tourism in Penang.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said this followed a study on the implementation of water taxis, which was carried out by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).

He was speaking to reporters after opening the annual general meeting of the Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasek Gelugor parents-teachers association here today.

The minister said the government had no problem in providing allocation to implement water taxi transportation.

"Under NCIA, we have a provision for such implementation," he said.

Penang Port Commission chairman Tan Cheng Liang was reported having said the government had approved implementation of water taxis and that RM50 million was set aside for the project to be carried out in stages.

The areas proposed as routes in the island involve Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, Georgetown, Pulau Jerejak and Batu Maung, while for Seberang Perai, it covers seaside areas of Bagan Ajam, Butterworth, Batu Kawan and Nibong Tebal.

-- BERNAMA

allurban

March 9th, 2011, 01:10 AM

Water Taxis Will Make Splash For Transportation, Tourism In Penang
March 05, 2011 16:01 PM

KEPALA BATAS, March 5 (Bernama) -- Water taxis will make a splash for transportation and tourism in Penang.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said this followed a study on the implementation of water taxis, which was carried out by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).

He was speaking to reporters after opening the annual general meeting of the Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasek Gelugor parents-teachers association here today.

The minister said the government had no problem in providing allocation to implement water taxi transportation.

"Under NCIA, we have a provision for such implementation," he said.

Penang Port Commission chairman Tan Cheng Liang was reported having said the government had approved implementation of water taxis and that RM50 million was set aside for the project to be carried out in stages.

The areas proposed as routes in the island involve Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, Georgetown, Pulau Jerejak and Batu Maung, while for Seberang Perai, it covers seaside areas of Bagan Ajam, Butterworth, Batu Kawan and Nibong Tebal.

-- BERNAMATSNMY sure loves Penang. He got to announce the introduction of RapidPenang & has been a quiet champion to keep the funding going in Gov't/Parliament too.

Cheers, m

aim11086

March 10th, 2011, 10:55 AM

water taxi project is great..
very new in Malaysia...

nazrey

March 14th, 2011, 05:18 AM

New traffic lights open up new way to Penang Bridge
Monday March 14, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/14/north/8257107&sec=North

MOTORISTS who use Jalan Masjid Negeri to get to the Penang Bridge and Bayan Lepas via the Tunku Kudin roundabout now have an alternative route.

They can approach from Lebuhraya Gelu-gor where new traffic lights have been installed at the junction with Jelutong Road to enable motorists to turn right to the roundabout.

“Previously, motorists coming from Lebuh-raya Gelugor were unable to head towards the Penang Bridge using Jelutong Road as there was no right turn.

“The new traffic lights will enable them to avoid the jam on Jalan Masjid Negeri,” Batu Lancang assemblyman Danny Law said after switching on the traffic lights on Satur-day.

Law, who is also Penang Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman, said this would also ease the traffic congestion around Taman Ghee Hiang and Taman Gelugor as there would be fewer motorists passing the two housing areas to get to Jalan Masjid Negeri.

He said the project to install the traffic lights cost RM200,000. It included speed reduction lines along Jelutong Road.

nazrey

April 7th, 2011, 01:11 AM

Rapid Penang's Jetty bus terminal

http://www.upislam.com/images/16088699533748787411.jpg

shasujka

April 25th, 2011, 08:10 AM

By IAN MCINTYRE| Apr 25, 2011
ianm@thestar.com.my

RM4bil roads for Penang

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has announced plans to implement two new road projects costing some RM4bil to reduce traffic congestion on Penang island by up to 40%.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the first project was a 4.2km inner ring road connecting Gurney Drive to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (formerly Jelutong Expressway) using a combination of semi-tunnel and elevated road.

“The other is a 4.6km-long tunnel road linking Paya Terubong and Bandar Baru Air Itam to the expressway,” he said.

Lim said the state was inviting a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the two projects, adding that major contractors were encouraged to submit their designs through the RFP process.

“The projects, which will be awarded via open tender, do not have a commencement date but the state wants the project to be implemented quickly,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Lim said the state had come up with the projects because roads here were getting more congested due to rapid development.

“I hope the Federal Government and the private sector will support the projects. It may be costly but they are crucial in managing traffic congestion on the island.

“The projects, which came about after a series of studies over two years, will be incorporated into the Penang Transport Master Plan,” he added.

Penang Municipal Council senior traffic engineer A. Rajendran said the two new roads could alleviate congestion by up to 40% along the local road network.

source: http://www.starproperty.my/PropertyScene/TheStarOnlineHighlightBox/11601/0/0

allurban

April 25th, 2011, 07:24 PM

How different is this from the Penang Outer Ring Road? Just seems to be missing one segment, between Ayer Itam and Gurney drive.

Cheers, m
By IAN MCINTYRE| Apr 25, 2011
ianm@thestar.com.my

RM4bil roads for Penang

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has announced plans to implement two new road projects costing some RM4bil to reduce traffic congestion on Penang island by up to 40%.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the first project was a 4.2km inner ring road connecting Gurney Drive to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (formerly Jelutong Expressway) using a combination of semi-tunnel and elevated road.

“The other is a 4.6km-long tunnel road linking Paya Terubong and Bandar Baru Air Itam to the expressway,” he said.

Lim said the state was inviting a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the two projects, adding that major contractors were encouraged to submit their designs through the RFP process.

“The projects, which will be awarded via open tender, do not have a commencement date but the state wants the project to be implemented quickly,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Lim said the state had come up with the projects because roads here were getting more congested due to rapid development.

“I hope the Federal Government and the private sector will support the projects. It may be costly but they are crucial in managing traffic congestion on the island.

“The projects, which came about after a series of studies over two years, will be incorporated into the Penang Transport Master Plan,” he added.

Penang Municipal Council senior traffic engineer A. Rajendran said the two new roads could alleviate congestion by up to 40% along the local road network.

source: http://www.starproperty.my/PropertyScene/TheStarOnlineHighlightBox/11601/0/0

CxIxMaN

April 27th, 2011, 01:23 PM

How different is this from the Penang Outer Ring Road? Just seems to be missing one segment, between Ayer Itam and Gurney drive.

Cheers, m

Also, the original outer ring road was meant to be over ground and not underground.

daeng_jal

April 27th, 2011, 03:46 PM

haha..if vote BN get PORR but now vote PR got PIRR..for those who want neither,too bad 4 u:lol:..hahaha

the only different is "a missing segment":lol: and fully elevated change to partial elevated n tunnel...oh n the skyrocketing construction cost..n not to mention where LGE gonna even find 4bil for a road project that he onces argued b4 will only work 4 less than 3yrs

IMO,4bil can build a really really long monorail line,or even longer with tram,and mega ultra long super duper BRT system

buildship

April 27th, 2011, 04:40 PM

allurban

April 28th, 2011, 12:19 AM

Also, the original outer ring road was meant to be over ground and not underground.according to the sun the cost of the project was estimated at RM4bn - or RM455 per km.

This means the road projects would cost more than the MRT (at a projected cost of RM350/km).

Of course, nothing is firmed up yet - but I daresay that if they have to build the roads, may as well introduce a "rapid tram" system Penang (at a cost of RM100 million per km except for tunnels) and include those proposed road corridors in the network.

So there would be:

Sebarang Prai to Paya Terubong, Air Itam, Tg. Tokong via Penang bridge & tunnel
Weld Quay to Tg. Tokong via Pulau Tikus & Gurney Drive
Penang International Airport to Weld Quay
Penang International Airport to Gurney Dr (via tunnel).

There would have to be another "rapid tram" corridor from Jelutong to Ayer Itam

Cheers, m

jbm77

April 28th, 2011, 06:03 AM

I had to agree with the Mass-Transit Rail project, since Penang island is a tourism orientated area, local government should subsides/prioritizes those projects 1st.

A small scale, point to point, where major spot of sigh seeing, major housing estate & commercial area should be targeted on the very first line of MTR.

PlanetNova

April 28th, 2011, 04:30 PM

Penang, China ink deal on Butterworth tunnel link
UPDATED @ 07:07:25 PM 28-04-2011
By Boo Su-Lyn
April 28, 2011

Lim (right) exchanges documents with Liu (left) after signing the agreement, witnessed by Wen (second from left) and Najib. — Picture courtesy of Penang Chief Minister’s Office
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Penang today on the possibility of building three road and tunnel projects in the island state that will alleviate traffic congestion there.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today that a 6.5km tunnel linking Penang Island to mainland Butterworth is among the proposed projects with the Chinese state-owned contractor that built the iconic National Stadium in Beijing, popularly known as the Bird’s Nest due to its design.

“We need to alleviate the traffic congestion as well as to improve links so you’ll make the two halves of Penang into one,” Lim told reporters today.

He signed the MoU this morning with Beijing Urban Construction Group Co Ltd (BUCG) chairman Liu Longhua. It was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

BUCG constructed the iconic stadium that hosted the Olympics in 2008, which is now slated to become a shopping and entertainment centre.

The construction conglomerate is one of the top 500 Chinese enterprises and has a total assets value of US$5.3 billion (RM15.9 billion) and an annual turnover of US$5.7 billion.

“This will be a major infrastructure project for Penang,” said Lim.

The proposed Penang-Butterworth tunnel, which will be the third link between the island and mainland, stretches from Gurney Drive in the island’s northeast to Butterworth on the mainland.

He said the other two proposed road projects are a 4.2km by-pass between Gurney Drive and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, and a 4.6km by-pass between that expressway and Bandar Baru Air Itam.

The Penang CM declined to reveal the cost of the projects, saying: “I need to get permission before I release the memorandum.”

He added that the projects would have to go through an open tender that will be called at least six month at the earliest. "We want other companies to bid for the proposed projects too," Lim told The Malaysian Insider.

Wen, who is on a two-day visit to Malaysia, and Najib witnessed the signing of eight bilateral agreements between the two countries today.

These include mutual recognition of higher education qualifications and strengthening economic and trade co-operation, as well as the MoU with BUCG.

BUCG specialises in the design and construction of industrial and civil works, metro, expressway, deep foundation, airport, long-distance pipeline works, and real estate development and capital operation.

This is Wen’s second visit to Malaysia after he attended the first East Asia Summit and the ninth Asean-China Summit and Asean Plus Three Summit in 2005.

allurban

April 29th, 2011, 01:45 AM

The projects are huge-sounding, but they are just indications of plans - meaning that nothing has happened or will happen anytime soon.

LGE has said as much - the other two road projects are just statements of intent, and the tunnel project an MOU - and that if the proposals from the private sector are not good enough that nothing will be built.

And yet, it's really too bad they did not make the announcement for the masterplan first, then wait on the announcements for the road projects.

That way they could at least make it look like they had things in the right order.

Cheers, m

nazrey

June 6th, 2011, 12:23 PM

Temporary bus stop
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5035998002_c105d4be97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/photographaholic94/5035998002/)
Rapid Penang central (http://www.flickr.com/photos/photographaholic94/5035998002/) by +Fratello RAzlan~ * (http://www.flickr.com/people/photographaholic94/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4194893974_df1060f81d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronaldtanhn/4194893974/)
A Day in Penang 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronaldtanhn/4194893974/) by Ronald HN Tan (http://www.flickr.com/people/ronaldtanhn/), on Flickr
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4194894156_82639d9c4d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronaldtanhn/4194894156/)
A Day in Penang 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronaldtanhn/4194894156/) by Ronald HN Tan (http://www.flickr.com/people/ronaldtanhn/), on Flickr
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1035/1211722937_0883059271_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholas-chan/1211722937/)
rapid penang hub at weld quay (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholas-chan/1211722937/) by nicholaschan (http://www.flickr.com/people/nicholas-chan/), on Flickr

nideru_90

June 7th, 2011, 01:33 AM

wow...rapidpenang bus so clean n tidy :)

TYW

June 9th, 2011, 09:53 AM

I think rapid Penang should introduce T&G like rapidKL.

nazrey

June 9th, 2011, 02:38 PM

Four Chinese firms keen to take up sea tunnel project
Thursday June 9, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/6/9/north/8863663&sec=North

GEORGE TOWN: Four Chinese companies have expressed interest in constructing a proposed George Town-to-Butterworth sea tunnel — a third link that will connect Penang island and the mainland.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said discussions were at the preliminary stages and it was a long way to go before any decision could be made.

“So far, a total of four companies have expressed interest in the project.

“These companies are all from China and we do not know yet if they will all bid for the project when the tender is open,” he said, adding that the company would need massive financial backing for the project.

Commenting on his recent five-day trip to Beijing, Lim said he had touched base with the Export-Import Bank of China and other stakeholders involved in the proposed sea tunnel.

On criticism from Penang Port Sdn Bhd that a sea tunnel may affect expansion works, Lim said the project’s proposal was still in the early stages.

“We don’t even know if the project will really materialise but we are intent on trying to make it happen.

“When the project has reached that stage (of requiring feedback), we will ask for views from the port,” he added.

nazrey

June 9th, 2011, 02:40 PM

Sea Tunnel? Third link?? macam ni ke!?

http://www.biwook.net/gallery/funny-shit/random-2008-april-02/The%20Palm%20Jumeirah%20sub-sea%20tunnel.jpg

http://www.swedetrack.com/floatunn.gif

http://www.nomarmiteintunisia.co.uk/0tunnel.bmp

The new chance for Penang nak boleh connect railway system which parallel with new expressway from the mainland to the island kot!!! can feel that Penang got huge potential :D

horlick97

June 9th, 2011, 03:04 PM

Priorities for Penang:

1. RapidPenang, this is a good start. But, the frequency is way too low to make it a viable transit system. So, motorist will still have to drive. Urgently needed: to increase frequency so that max is 10 min. On a related note:

a. Public real time bus arrivals for access thru internet and iPhone.

This is a low hanging fruit, easiest and cheapest.

2. Identify a corridor to built the first monorail line, with a view of eventually expanding if traffic justifies. Check out several technologies. I'd recommend take a closer look at urbanaut. Remember constraints: Penang's narrow streets, sensitive heritage buildings.

3. 3rd crossing to Butterworth? not another roadlink. This should be a railway link.

4. The railway link that connects to penang should expand into seberang prai with KL Komuter like kind of network. But, here again, frequency should be < 10min.

allurban

June 9th, 2011, 11:44 PM

I think rapid Penang should introduce T&G like rapidKL.They are already working on such a project in their "200" series bus corridor. It is similar to the New Bus Ticketing System "Rabbit Card' of RapidKL - but a different name.

Cheers, m

daeng_jal

June 10th, 2011, 12:36 AM

TYW

June 10th, 2011, 10:08 AM

TYW

June 10th, 2011, 10:14 AM

bukan dr m mmg proposed the bridge tunnel for the 2nd link ke?

b4 koh su koon n dolah stupidly move it to the south,

personally,i c a point in butterworth to gt link with porr n borr in place, but i don't see any point in connecting batu kawan n batu (lupelak)..then both bridge trafic move north together2 2 georgetown n beaches

the rationale for building the bridge down south is to bring development to the south of Penang mainland and the island, and also to direct the traffic away from George Town. besides, the airport is at the south of the island, so it means better connectivity to the airport as well. i think most, if not quite a sizeable amount of traffic will be diverted to the new bridge since those coming to Penang from the south might use the new bridge.

allurban

June 11th, 2011, 10:59 PM

the rationale for building the bridge down south is to bring development to the south of Penang mainland and the island, and also to direct the traffic away from George Town. besides, the airport is at the south of the island, so it means better connectivity to the airport as well. i think most, if not quite a sizeable amount of traffic will be diverted to the new bridge since those coming to Penang from the south might use the new bridge.Why not this: as compensation for the opening of the 2nd bridge, the concessionaires for the first bridge are required to run bus lanes down the centre, provide "Bus TAG" infrastructure at the toll gates - but then, all stage bus services between Penang and Prai must run through the Penang Bridge and the concessionaire gets a share of the revenue for each passenger carried?

Cheers, m

greater KL

June 12th, 2011, 02:56 PM

penang want monorail and other things haa?
another 30 years maybe....

developed KL and Klang Valley area with extensive rail network,intergrated ticketing and BRT lanes...

TYW

June 12th, 2011, 03:46 PM

allurban

June 13th, 2011, 08:20 AM

good idea!!

i wonder if it is possible to close 2 lanes on the current bridge and put railways on it :Dthat would depend on how much wneight the span can hold. trams are not exactly light, but they would be moving (as opposed to stop & go vehicles stuck in a jam.

Cheers, m

horlick97

June 13th, 2011, 02:33 PM

that would depend on how much wneight the span can hold. trams are not exactly light, but they would be moving (as opposed to stop & go vehicles stuck in a jam.

Cheers, m

Reasonable. But I do not think weight is the key issue. The design of roads and bridges are based on axle loads and the intervals between axles. So, this aspect can be taken off if you really want to put a railway on the bridge.

A bigger issue is with the gradient of the bridge. Railways can't take the gradient of the bridge at the centre span. That's why a tunnel is needed for the railway.

daeng_jal

June 14th, 2011, 10:28 PM

the rationale for building the bridge down south is to bring development to the south of Penang mainland and the island, and also to direct the traffic away from George Town. besides, the airport is at the south of the island, so it means better connectivity to the airport as well. i think most, if not quite a sizeable amount of traffic will be diverted to the new bridge since those coming to Penang from the south might use the new bridge.

still not convince lah bro..i think it will make more jammed as 2 bridge trafic meet on the way to gt than reduce it..but of cource the best solution is 2 reduce driver n increase transit user..allurban idea of buslaned n ferries would b great 4 png..

allurban

June 15th, 2011, 07:54 AM

They are already working on such a project in their "200" series bus corridor. It is similar to the New Bus Ticketing System "Rabbit Card' of RapidKL - but a different name.

Cheers, mThe RapidPenang system is called Tap2Pay and it is currently being tested on routes 201,202,203,204 & 502.

Users of monthly passes on those routes are using Tap2Pay instead.

Cheers, m

TYW

June 15th, 2011, 08:59 AM

The RapidPenang system is called Tap2Pay and it is currently being tested on routes 201,202,203,204 & 502.

Users of monthly passes on those routes are using Tap2Pay instead.

Cheers, m

sounds cool! i hope it is compatible with normal touch&go?

davidwsk

November 14th, 2011, 11:31 AM

Gurney Drive land swap deal for developers of highways, sea tunnel link

By JOSEPH KAOS Jr | Nov 14, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KUALA LUMPUR: The Penang government will pay developers with prime land around the tourist belt area of Gurney Drive to construct three by-pass highways and a sea tunnel linking the island to the mainland.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the RM8bil project would be the state's biggest infrastructure exercise and is meant to resolve the island's severe traffic congestion problem.

The proposed traffic-alleviation projects are a 6.5km sea tunnel connecting Gurney Drive on the island to northern side of Butterworth, a 4.2km road from Gurney Drive to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu expressway by-passing the city centre, a 4.6km road linking Bandar Baru Air Itam to the same expressway and a 12km dual-carriage road from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang to pair with the existing coastal road.

“We estimate that the projects will cost RM5bil to RM8bil depending on the bids from prospective contractors,” he told a press briefing here yesterday.

He said the “competitive land swap” payment will be a win-win situation for both the state government and the developers.

“The state government does not have to pay money and the developer gets prime land that will triple in value after the projects take place,” Guan Eng said.

He added that developers could also propose to implement toll payments to recover costs.

A pre-qualification exercise will be issued Tuesday on the Penang government website for the projects and a briefing will be held in Penang on Nov 29 for interested bidders.

Lim explained that the projects would undergo a lengthy feasibility study and construction is only expected to commence in 2015.

“We target the completion to be in 2020, although it can be completed earlier,” said Lim.
http://www.starproperty.my/PropertyScene/PropertyNews/16629/0/0

dengilo

November 15th, 2011, 02:04 AM

I like what i hear!Very interesting option compared to building the 2nd bridge!I also like to see the tunnel serve as a subway line linking the mainland to the island.Kudos state govn lets hope this happens .it will be good for penang.

Arkdriver

November 15th, 2011, 04:21 AM

CxIxMaN

November 15th, 2011, 10:07 AM

From the 2020 forum

This is 2011 one!

http://starstorage.blob.core.windows.net/archives/2011/11/15/nation/n_16penangplan.jpg

Penang unveils RM8b traffic mitigation blueprint
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
The Malaysian Insider | November 14, 2011
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/penang-unveils-rm8b-traffic-mitigation-blueprint/

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 — The Penang government today announced an ambitious RM8 billion plan to construct four major road and tunnel projects that aim to reduce traffic congestion in the state.

Touting it as the state government’s biggest infrastructure exercise to date, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the projects — all of which will be conducted via open tender — will also allow greater access between the island and the mainland.

The proposed projects are a third (tunnel) link connecting Gurney Drive to Seberang Perai North District, a by-pass connecting Gurney Drive to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu expressway, a link between Bandar Baru Air Itam to the same expressway, as well as a paired road to the existing coastal road from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang.

“We need a northern link connecting Gurney Drive to Butterworth, to make it easier for people in the mainland to come to the island, and this will ease up congestion in addition to the two Penang bridges.

“The estimated costs for this project will be between RM5 [and] RM8 billion and expected to be completed by 2020,” Lim told reporters here.

The Penang CM said the state government will not provide any payments for the projects, and that the costs incurred will be recovered through a “competitive land swap” deals with prospective companies.

Lim said his administration will provide a preliminary financial proposal that will include the planned financing structure as well as bids to recover costs.

“The proposed land swap will involve the best prime land in Penang, which is in Gurney... the price of land in Penang will increase over the next few years, and this will benefit the companies who will undertake the road and tunnel projects.”

He also said his administration was also looking at the possibility of conducting a toll system for the projects once they are completed, but added this was provisional and would depend on what interested companies had to offer.

A pre-qualification exercise briefing for prospective companies will be held in Penang on November 29. Application and questionnaire pro-forma forms will be given out then and bidders must submit the forms by 12pm, January 2012.

Works will tentatively begin sometime in 2015.

buildship

November 15th, 2011, 10:09 AM

but i guess the process is too slow, projected to start only at 2015, which is 4 years to go...

Magician

November 15th, 2011, 10:42 AM

I *don't* 100% agree with the project... do we really need so many link way from island to mainland?

I think solving the traffic situation within island should come first before spending the money building the underwater tunnel...

That's just personal opinion!

TYW

November 15th, 2011, 12:58 PM

http://starstorage.blob.core.windows.net/archives/2011/11/15/nation/n_16penangplan.jpg

PORR (or part of it) should be built to complete the loop. Bottlenecks will occur at the ends of those roadways.

TYW

November 15th, 2011, 01:01 PM

I am 100% agree with the project... do we really need so many link way from island to mainland?

I think solving the traffic situation within island should come first before spending the money building the underwater tunnel...

That's just personal opinion!

Actually i'm of the opinion that a metro system to be built instead. it is time to force people to take public transport rather than building more roads to encourage them to drive.

I think these roads are indeed necessary in the future but a metro system might be of higher priority :yes:

TWK90

November 15th, 2011, 01:19 PM

Penang does need a bypass road similar to the nature such as the MRR2 or Sprint expressway in KL.

However, I feel it is time for Penang to lay a foundation for public transport, after all, Penang island going to be dense in the long run...

For a start, I think Rapid Penang can leverage on these new roads by offering longer distance, less stop express service similar to RapidKL's E buses or BET buses. Examples can be taken from Hong Kong by offering similar frequent cross-strait/harbour bus services.

Of course having a metro is good long term dream :D

Magician

November 16th, 2011, 01:47 AM

Actually i'm of the opinion that a metro system to be built instead. it is time to force people to take public transport rather than building more roads to encourage them to drive.

I think these roads are indeed necessary in the future but a metro system might be of higher priority :yes:

Should be (I *don't*)...

Precisely, since the traffic situation on the island is a mess... especially during festive and holiday seasons... there are a lot of works can be done to further improve the condition... building more roads connecting mainland to island, meaning encouraging more cars to come into the island which will result in more jams...

dengilo

November 16th, 2011, 10:04 AM

The ultimate goal should be reducing the number of cars entering the island!Especially during holidays but before u can do that have to upgrade the islands public transportation systemlah which i think now is a jokelah.

TYW

November 16th, 2011, 01:22 PM

Should be (I *don't*)...

Precisely, since the traffic situation on the island is a mess... especially during festive and holiday seasons... there are a lot of works can be done to further improve the condition... building more roads connecting mainland to island, meaning encouraging more cars to come into the island which will result in more jams...

ha ha... "don't" makes a big difference there :lol:

daeng_jal

November 18th, 2011, 09:07 PM

8billion can build monorail or tram how long eh?

Last time badawi said 1.5bilion only 4 the monorail

maafcakap

November 19th, 2011, 11:36 AM

i like it too. Wonder if the project really takes off, it will put a big L and shame to BN government as the cost is much less than the tunelling around the KL city. Dont know how complex with all the limestones but i'm sure it wont differ much as to bore holes under seabed.

haha..how can we compare here at penang with kl...here, tunnel will build deep in the sea while at kl, they built a tunnel where up there is densely populated city..even land takeover at bukit bintang area still unsolve bcause many unwilling to surrender their land

allurban

November 19th, 2011, 03:45 PM

8billion can build monorail or tram how long eh?

Last time badawi said 1.5bilion only 4 the monorailif no cost overruns or other leakages?

Monorail cost approx RM100-120million per km.

Tram capex cost:

RM20 million per km for grade level "slow tram" with mixed traffic running.
RM40-50 million per km for grade level "rapid tram" operating separate from traffic
RM100million per km and above if you start looking at putting some segments above ground or in tunnels.

The nice thing about grade level running is that you save a huge amount of money on capex. No elevated/underground stations means simpler design, lower costs of construction, maintenance, operations (less HVAC & electric challenges, for example), cheaper access requirements (ramps instead of lifts & escalators) etc.

And the nice thing about tram is that you can do grade-level running (separate or mixed traffic) outside of the town area. Monorail has to be fully elevated or underground (underground is even more costly because of the size of a monorail carriage). LRT has to be fully separate 100% of the time.

cheers, m

CxIxMaN

November 27th, 2011, 04:25 AM

Sea tunnel can wait, says MCA veep

GEORGE TOWN: Providing an efficient public transport system is more sustainable than the proposed undersea tunnel linking Penang island to the mainland.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said as the second Penang bridge is expected to be completed in two years time, it is more practical and cost effective for the state government to improve on the public transportation system first.

“Therefore, it may not be suitable to build a (sea) tunnel to resolve the increasing traffic problem but instead, it is wiser to develop a rail-based system. While a tunnel may be needed in the future, various factors must first be taken into consideration before a decision is reached,” he said after attending the ‘2012 Budget’ discussion at Equatorial Hotel.

Lim who is also an MCA vice-president, said that it was important for the state govern-ment to look into the improvement of public transportation as Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had missed the opportunity to do so during his tenure as the chief minister.

On Nov 15, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng unveiled a proposal to construct three bypass highways and a sea tunnel costing around RM8bil.

The proposed 6.5km sea tunnel will connect Gurney Drive to the northern side of Butterworth.

daeng_jal

November 29th, 2011, 06:58 AM

We love car lah mca rep...booooo

buildship

November 29th, 2011, 07:50 AM

MCA also another did nothing fella..what they help to develop penang while they still holding post in penang?

greater KL

November 29th, 2011, 08:23 AM

TWK90

November 29th, 2011, 10:59 AM

just forget la about penang monorail or sea tunnel

better upgrade KL and Klang Valley transportation problem first...
I want to see KL like Singapore one day with efficient MRT service and bus service...

I don't see why developments have to be made KL-centric. At the end of the day, Penang and JB has pressing transport issues.

daeng_jal

November 30th, 2011, 04:34 AM

MCA also another did nothing fella..what they help to develop penang while they still holding post in penang?

malaysian silicon valley?
2nd most prosperous metro after KV

u seriusly don't think it happen just in the past 3years do you

buildship

November 30th, 2011, 06:03 AM

malaysian silicon valley?
2nd most prosperous metro after KV

u seriusly don't think it happen just in the past 3years do you

are you answering me or actually towards the others? it seems not making sense to me:cheers:

Arkdriver

November 30th, 2011, 06:58 AM

malaysian silicon valley?
2nd most prosperous metro after KV

u seriusly don't think it happen just in the past 3years do you

thought it was gerakan? :lol::lol:

buildship

November 30th, 2011, 08:29 AM

thought it was gerakan? :lol::lol:

ah...i see..

but honestly, penangites recognised contribution from Tun Lim Chong Eu, but not the late 18 years of BN which really did nothing.

Maybe Daengjal can list down what is the contribution of BN for the late 18 years (before being kicked out by Penangites):cheers:

daeng_jal

November 30th, 2011, 10:44 AM

thought it was gerakan? :lol::lol:

i thought gerakan no use one punyer:lol:

maybe they need a name change,

gerakan pi mai pi mai tang tu:lol:

ah...i see..

but honestly, penangites recognised contribution from Tun Lim Chong Eu, but not the late 18 years of BN which really did nothing.

Maybe Daengjal can list down what is the contribution of BN for the late 18 years (before being kicked out by Penangites)

sorry, unlike some other people, i don't see a merit in doing free advertising to get someone in power, u know, like kept on putting annoying unrelevance political news here and there to show off their dear leader..

its shitty tau, like opening a threat full of both opposite side news copy pasting..ohh anyway why did penangnite kick off Tun Lim Chong Eu..not old enough to know lah

buildship

December 1st, 2011, 05:15 AM

thought it was gerakan? :lol::lol:

actually during those day (year 2007), the public transportation in penang have something to do with MCA indeed.:cheers:

NEWSLETTER & PUBLICATIONS

RM20mil broadband project
The Star, 16 December 2007

PENANG island will achieve 100% broadband connectivity by 2010, state Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Datuk Koay Kar Huah said.

He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had forked out an estimated RM20mil for the broadband project which would be carried out in phases.
He said three telecommunication companies had been appointed to carry out the installation of cables and towers for the broadband system.

Koay, who did not have the latest statistics of the broadband penetration in the state, said more details would be revealed during an official launching in January.

He said charges for the broadband service would vary depending on the location.

“Hopefully, with a wider broadband coverage, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can take advantage of the Information Technology (IT) facility to expand their businesses.
“They can upload their company’s history and background on websites as well as promote and market their products globally,” Koay told reporters after launching the Penang Chinese ICT Seminar at the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) conference room at the Penang Chinese Town Hall here yesterday.

The seminar, jointly organised by PCCC and the MCA ICT Resource Centre (MIRC), was held in conjunction with the Penang ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Week 2007 which started on Dec 13.

Koay said Penang was moving towards becoming a hub for outsourcing.
“It is vital to empower our labour force with the necessary knowledge and skills so that they can become value-added workers capable of operating modern machines and are adept in the latest technologies,” he said.

Also present was PCCC president Datuk Khor Teng Tong

dinoleon

December 7th, 2011, 05:01 AM

actually during those day (year 2007), the public transportation in penang have something to do with MCA indeed.:cheers:

NEWSLETTER & PUBLICATIONS

RM20mil broadband project
The Star, 16 December 2007

PENANG island will achieve 100% broadband connectivity by 2010, state Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Datuk Koay Kar Huah said.

He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had forked out an estimated RM20mil for the broadband project which would be carried out in phases.
He said three telecommunication companies had been appointed to carry out the installation of cables and towers for the broadband system.

Koay, who did not have the latest statistics of the broadband penetration in the state, said more details would be revealed during an official launching in January.

He said charges for the broadband service would vary depending on the location.

“Hopefully, with a wider broadband coverage, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can take advantage of the Information Technology (IT) facility to expand their businesses.
“They can upload their company’s history and background on websites as well as promote and market their products globally,” Koay told reporters after launching the Penang Chinese ICT Seminar at the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) conference room at the Penang Chinese Town Hall here yesterday.

The seminar, jointly organised by PCCC and the MCA ICT Resource Centre (MIRC), was held in conjunction with the Penang ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Week 2007 which started on Dec 13.

Koay said Penang was moving towards becoming a hub for outsourcing.
“It is vital to empower our labour force with the necessary knowledge and skills so that they can become value-added workers capable of operating modern machines and are adept in the latest technologies,” he said.

Also present was PCCC president Datuk Khor Teng Tong

why the forum here has become MCA or Gerakan or DAP merit discussion? I am more concern of master plan.

Can MCA or Gerakan or DAP bring back LRT project?
Okay, may be federal gov is controlling LRT project permit. But, can Penang gov build escalated road (2 lanes, which similar to LRT escalated trail construction) that its design is similar to LRT? If SPAD not allow LRT to run on the escalated road, then have the Rapid Penang buses to run on it. It will become escalated BRT.

On time, safer, economical.

Anyhow, penang gov has 8billion worth of land to be offered, isn't it?

buildship

December 8th, 2011, 10:53 AM

why the forum here has become MCA or Gerakan or DAP merit discussion? I am more concern of master plan.

Can MCA or Gerakan or DAP bring back LRT project?
Okay, may be federal gov is controlling LRT project permit. But, can Penang gov build escalated road (2 lanes, which similar to LRT escalated trail construction) that its design is similar to LRT? If SPAD not allow LRT to run on the escalated road, then have the Rapid Penang buses to run on it. It will become escalated BRT.

On time, safer, economical.

Anyhow, penang gov has 8billion worth of land to be offered, isn't it?

Rapid Penang also under federal government control, the SPAD idiot:nuts:

buildship

December 8th, 2011, 11:54 AM

just for info, SPAD controlling any land public transportation which including train, LRT, MRT, Monorail, bus, tram, taxi etc...

the main culprit why public transport not built still because of SPAD, and SPAD is under federal, and federal is formed by BN...

so should kill BN if you wish malaysia to keep progressing

allurban

December 8th, 2011, 04:09 PM

Rapid Penang also under federal government control, the SPAD idiot:nuts:SPAD is the regulator for land transport and reports to the Prime Minister.

RapidPenang Sdn. bhd. is 100% owned by Prasarana Bhd. which is 100% owned by the Ministry of Finance (Minister of Finance Inc.). The Minister of Finance is also the Prime Minister.

Cheers, m

gabriellim

December 10th, 2011, 02:23 AM

Why not this: as compensation for the opening of the 2nd bridge, the concessionaires for the first bridge are required to run bus lanes down the centre, provide "Bus TAG" infrastructure at the toll gates - but then, all stage bus services between Penang and Prai must run through the Penang Bridge and the concessionaire gets a share of the revenue for each passenger carried?

Cheers, m

It's all well and fine if Penang bridge can dedicate their centre lanes to be buslanes. Island and mainland Penang needs more direct links to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

The last time I checked, 704 (Bukit Mertajam - Komtar) and 705 (Penang Megamall - Mayang Pasir), the only 2 routes that crossed the Penang Channel, are said to have decommissioned beginning April 15th, 2011 according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_Penang). Similarly, their numbers are no longer found in RapidPG website's routes page (http://www.rapidpg.com.my/journey-planner/route-maps/).

Can someone in the know update us? Can someone in positions of power do something for us? :)

* * * * *

Also, since Magna Carta was charted in 1215 in England, how often were there scenarios where the Chancellor (Prime Minister) was also the Chancellor of Exchequer (Minister of Finance)?

greater KL

December 17th, 2011, 03:31 PM

It's all well and fine if Penang bridge can dedicate their centre lanes to be buslanes. Island and mainland Penang needs more direct links to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

The last time I checked, 704 (Bukit Mertajam - Komtar) and 705 (Penang Megamall - Mayang Pasir), the only 2 routes that crossed the Penang Channel, are said to have decommissioned beginning April 15th, 2011 according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_Penang). Similarly, their numbers are no longer found in RapidPG website's routes page (http://www.rapidpg.com.my/journey-planner/route-maps/).

Can someone in the know update us? Can someone in positions of power do something for us? :)

* * * * *

Also, since Magna Carta was charted in 1215 in England, how often were there scenarios where the Chancellor (Prime Minister) was also the Chancellor of Exchequer (Minister of Finance)?

I think it is good to have separate state power in island and mainland of penang...

make Butterworth the capital city for Penang mainland and please make Penang mainland tourist attractions as well...

BM hill,pantai kamloon,juru area can be sorted out as tourist attraction no need to promoting penang island only...

I am feel so saddened by the state goverment in sidelining mainland penang as tourist attraction...even in their logo no map of penang mainland except penang island.......Penang is a state not only Penang island....:bash:

johan is

January 3rd, 2012, 04:06 PM

I think it is good to have separate state power in island and mainland of penang...

make Butterworth the capital city for Penang mainland and please make Penang mainland tourist attractions as well...

BM hill,pantai kamloon,juru area can be sorted out as tourist attraction no need to promoting penang island only...

I am feel so saddened by the state goverment in sidelining mainland penang as tourist attraction...even in their logo no map of penang mainland except penang island.......Penang is a state not only Penang island....:bash:

true that they are sidelining penang island but to separate both side is not a good idea

greater KL

January 3rd, 2012, 05:43 PM

true that they are sidelining penang island but to separate both side is not a good idea

Yes...
Nothing is being made from the State administration inpromoting Penang mainland as part of tourist attraction...

very sad thing....

Luckily,I move to Greater KL....:)

PlanetNova

January 3rd, 2012, 06:14 PM

I think it is good to have separate state power in island and mainland of penang...

make Butterworth the capital city for Penang mainland and please make Penang mainland tourist attractions as well...

BM hill,pantai kamloon,juru area can be sorted out as tourist attraction no need to promoting penang island only...

I am feel so saddened by the state goverment in sidelining mainland penang as tourist attraction...even in their logo no map of penang mainland except penang island.......Penang is a state not only Penang island....:bash:

Strategically speaking, the island has the X factor i.e. the status of Unesco's World Heritage to attract world travellers. Obviously it has then been focused mostly. So dont get too upset dude. The mainland part has its potentials for other stuff.

PlanetNova

January 3rd, 2012, 06:18 PM

just forget la about penang monorail or sea tunnel

better upgrade KL and Klang Valley transportation problem first...
I want to see KL like Singapore one day with efficient MRT service and bus service...

Hey, Penang taxpayers contribute a lot of money to the federation and they deserve upgrading of infrastructure as much as KL does. So dont get selfish and emo. if you like KL and KL only, keep it to yourself. dont be ridiculous.

TWK90

January 3rd, 2012, 06:27 PM

http://www.townplan.gov.my/devo/content.php?ID=81

This is the recent edition of National Physical Plan 2 launched in 2010.

In page 81 of chapter 5, it is clearly mentioned, that Penang (apart from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kuantan) shall get MRT, LRT and BRT whenever the urban fabric is appropriate for such infrastructure.

If you look at density, and population number of Penang island, there is a case for rail transit.

greater KL

January 4th, 2012, 10:12 AM

Strategically speaking, the island has the X factor i.e. the status of Unesco's World Heritage to attract world travellers. Obviously it has then been focused mostly. So dont get too upset dude. The mainland part has its potentials for other stuff.

What potential u mean?
white elephant project like Bedolah badwi projects in kepala batas fro example ...

The Abedeen resort until now no where........:)

greater KL

January 4th, 2012, 10:13 AM

Hey, Penang taxpayers contribute a lot of money to the federation and they deserve upgrading of infrastructure as much as KL does. So dont get selfish and emo. if you like KL and KL only, keep it to yourself. dont be ridiculous.

Penang got already rapidpenang bus I think its fair already...

KL is very good place so many people and if they invest in MRT the demand is there...:)

TWK90

January 4th, 2012, 10:47 AM

A study about George Town conurbation clearly mentions that there is an opportunity for rapid transit system for the island and mainland.

PlanetNova

January 4th, 2012, 01:03 PM

Penang got already rapidpenang bus I think its fair already...

KL is very good place so many people and if they invest in MRT the demand is there...:)

So funny who are you to say this. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

greater KL

January 4th, 2012, 04:52 PM

So funny who are you to say this. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

What funny?
Its fact la....:bash:

dinoleon

January 5th, 2012, 10:14 AM

Went to KL this year end for holiday.
1. Federal Highway - from mid valley towards city center, tak ado pun lampu, DBKL tak bayar elektrik bil ke?
2. I-city - Nice. Many people. I heard that this LED light idea was forced to come out after the properties tak laku. Only few restaurants are operated.
3. Genting - after 8 years never went there. Found out nothing new after so many years. Dissapointed.
4. Then, went to Sungai Besi town for having dinner. Adoi, aku tak tahu macam mana nak cari jalan, pasal hampir semua plat jalan ditutupi oleh along stiker. Nasib baik ada GPS.
5. Lepas tu, nak naik LRT pi Bukit Bintang. Tapi, member i remind me that he saw Bangla was pick pocketing in LRT station. Remind me to not take LRT. But, if I drive to Bukit Bintang, sure jam lah. If take bus, bus station penuh dengan bangla, indon, nepal, african.

So, decided to balik kampung earlier.

gabriellim

January 5th, 2012, 11:29 PM

Had it not been migrants, our transport system would have collapsed long ago, since locals all shy away.

But then again, let's not be xenophobic. The solution to fight crime in transport system is true better lighting (at the stations, walkways as well as in the vehicles), higher frequency, so there will be less crowd, and less fertile ground for petty crime to take place.

Anyway, back to whether only KL deserve MRT, and others just bus will do, we must remember MRT is always the last resort, due to its high cost.

If bus is sufficient, we don't need BRT.

If BRT is sufficient, we don't need trams / ground level LRT.

if trams can be sufficient, we don't need (to pay extra for) MRT.

Even for a low-density urban sprawl like KV, MRT won't be able to capture huge crowd, as population is sparse, and whatever commuter we can capture need to go to a myriad of destinations, not all MRT alone can reach, and the hourly feeder bus won't be able to bridge the gap too. Look at Midvalley or SS2.

With just a fraction of the RM 54 billion, we can build numerous tram / BRT to cover most of my lovely wonderful fantastic futuristic intelligent KV. So why spend it on a single line?

just my two cents :)

daeng_jal

January 6th, 2012, 04:48 AM

Mrt is what the people want..even if that not what they need..

allurban

January 6th, 2012, 04:49 AM

johan is

January 8th, 2012, 05:12 PM

This thread is for Penang Transportation Plan. please la put aside KL & KV

allurban

January 9th, 2012, 07:50 AM

This thread is for Penang Transportation Plan. please la put aside KL & KVGood point.

Ok, put aside the monorail and tram/rapid tram or LRT/MRT for Penang for now.

Figure on this:

Expect to see ETS from Alor Setar to Butterworth and Ipoh to Butterworth from 2014. Komuter Utara is unlikely before 2016.
Expect to see BRT along the Dr. Lim (Jelutong) / Bayan Lepas expressway corridor, with some sort of interchange at the Penang Bridge. The bus terminal at Sg. Nibong could end up being moved to align with the BRT as well. Monorail & LRT / MRT are unlikely before 2020

Cheers, m

johan is

January 9th, 2012, 01:02 PM

Good point.

Ok, put aside the monorail and tram/rapid tram or LRT/MRT for Penang for now.

Figure on this:

Expect to see ETS from Alor Setar to Butterworth and Ipoh to Butterworth from 2014. Komuter Utara is unlikely before 2016.
Expect to see BRT along the Dr. Lim (Jelutong) / Bayan Lepas expressway corridor, with some sort of interchange at the Penang Bridge. The bus terminal at Sg. Nibong could end up being moved to align with the BRT as well. Monorail & LRT / MRT are unlikely before 2020

Cheers, m

where did u get this?
can't wait for Komuter Utara..people in the northen state need it
the Komuter train should run from Sungai Petani to Butterworth and Butterworth to Parit Buntar

allurban

January 10th, 2012, 03:41 AM

where did u get this?
can't wait for Komuter Utara..people in the northen state need it
the Komuter train should run from Sungai Petani to Butterworth and Butterworth to Parit BuntarKMTB has been talking about extending the ETS service up north as soon as the double tracking & electrification is complete up to Sg. Petani.

They are also planning to purchase additional trains for the ETS fleet ... while most of them will be used on the Ipoh-Seremban route, expect one or two services per day to serve from Sg. Petani to Ipoh.

Cheers, m

johan is

January 10th, 2012, 05:27 AM

dinoleon

January 10th, 2012, 10:18 AM

KMTB has been talking about extending the ETS service up north as soon as the double tracking & electrification is complete up to Sg. Petani.

They are also planning to purchase additional trains for the ETS fleet ... while most of them will be used on the Ipoh-Seremban route, expect one or two services per day to serve from Sg. Petani to Ipoh.

Cheers, m

You mean, there will be no direct ETS directly from Butterworth to KL? So, passengers from Sg Petani, Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam have to make transit in Ipoh before heading to KL?

johan is

January 10th, 2012, 11:53 AM

TWK90

January 10th, 2012, 11:58 AM

You mean, there will be no direct ETS directly from Butterworth to KL? So, passengers from Sg Petani, Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam have to make transit in Ipoh before heading to KL?

The situation is like this.

When the double tracking completes and new train arrives...

According to NST...

The existing ETS route will be extended to Butterworth. Hence, instead of KL-Ipoh, you get KL-Butterworth with some stops of course, say Ipoh among others. The proposed journey time is 3 hours 30 minutes.

On another report, also in NST, there is plan for Komuter in the north, with proposed routes such as Butterworth - Ipoh and Butterworth - Alor Star.

allurban

January 11th, 2012, 01:46 AM

You mean, there will be no direct ETS directly from Butterworth to KL? So, passengers from Sg Petani, Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam have to make transit in Ipoh before heading to KL?I think that at the start, there will perhaps be 1-2 direct services per day. Maybe 1 in each direction in the morning and 1 in each direction in the evening while other services (during the daytime) will probably terminate at Ipoh and require you to make transfers.

That's not too unreasonable, is it?

Of course in the long term, the Antarabandar service along the west coast will be cut back and there will be more ETS train services instead. It will be interesting to see when the first ETS trains are coupled into 12-carriage trains which will probably end up happening one day.

Cheers, m

TWK90

January 11th, 2012, 01:51 AM

Coupling two ETS trains is a sure way to increase rail traffic on already busy Klang Valley section. Train set A to Butterworth, Train set B to Ipoh.

johan is

January 11th, 2012, 10:08 AM

interesting

allurban

January 12th, 2012, 06:06 AM

Coupling two ETS trains is a sure way to increase rail traffic on already busy Klang Valley section. Train set A to Butterworth, Train set B to Ipoh.Coupling or uncoupling two trains is not a quick or easy process because of safety issues and required procedures.

Uncoupling a train made of 2 ETS sets (total of 12 carriages) would probably take about 20 minutes with proper safety procedures. Also, passengers would have to exit the train during that time.

I expect the most likely thing to see is a single ETS set that just serves from KL-Ipoh-Butterworth, while most of the ETS sets will stop at Ipoh.

Probably look for services on the KL-Ipoh-Butterworth and Ipoh-KL-Seremban corridors.

The real question will be the demand - how much pent-up and potential demand is there for train trips along those corridors, how many trains should be run, how frequently should they run, how much capacity needs to be provided etc.

Cheers, m

gabriellim

February 12th, 2012, 01:24 PM

I expect the most likely thing to see is a single ETS set that just serves from KL-Ipoh-Butterworth, while most of the ETS sets will stop at Ipoh.

The real question will be the demand - how much pent-up and potential demand is there for train trips along those corridors, how many trains should be run, how frequently should they run, how much capacity needs to be provided etc.

Cheers, m

What makes them think there will be multiple times of demand for KL - Ipoh compared to KL - Penanng etc?

They should show us the study. LRT extension no figures. MRT no statistics. We don't know how many passengers they can captured by running right along Sprint and Cheras-Kajang highways. We don't know how many cars they can take away from roads.

(Prof Bent Flyvbjerg suggests that most transport projects suffer cost overruns etc because developer use lower than usual estimates, together with over-optimistic passenger forecasts, to attract the govt to approve it.)

And now, I also don't know why they seemed hesitate to introduce more direct services all the way to the border. Only with more direct trips to Padang Besar, and cut down the waiting time, can we induce more people to use, and get used to using public transport.

nazrey

April 10th, 2012, 10:42 AM

Expert: Third link not needed ‘Improve public transportation in Penang’
By SIMREN KAUR Tuesday April 10, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/4/10/north/11077453&sec=North

GEORGE TOWN: If public transportation system is improved, there would be no need for a third link between Penang island and the mainland, says Halcrow Consultants director Dave Turner.

Turner, a transportation planning expert involved in the Penang Tran-sport Master Plan Study, said the third link depended on whether Penangites were ready to change and start using public transport.

“If we don’t start using public transportation, we will eventually need a third link.

“If we don’t make any improvement in public transportation, then cars will be the only option for most people’s travel. If so, then by 2030, we will need a third link,” he said at a forum on the Penang Master Plan Study.

Halcrow Consultants and Singapore Cruise Centre are part of AJC Planning Consultants which was hired by the state government for the master plan study last May.

Turner, who revealed the findings after almost a year’s research, said the study identified the issues on the lack of public transportation on the island and mainland, the pedestrian regime, and taxi and ferry services that needed attention.

He said the population growth would result in travel demand increasing by around 25% or more by 2020 and 50% or more by 2030.

“The methods we have taken to handle this problem are highway-based, public transport-based and policy intervention-based,” he added.

“As such, we have come up with two approaches – the Highway Improvement-Based Approach and the Balanced Approach Vision.”

He said both included the Core Package, which was an improvement on the highways, public transport and implementation of policy intervention.

“The Highway Improvement-Based Approach consists of the Core Package along with the Third Crossing, Cross City Link from Jelutong to Air Itam bypass, North Coast Pair Road, Air Itam to Relau Pair Road and the North-South Expressway Link,” he said, adding that the costs were estimated at RM12.5bil.

“The Balanced Approach Vision consists of the Core Package along with the Penang Outer Ring Bypass, the North-South Expressway Link, trams, ferries, commuter rail and George Town/Butterworth Access chargers,” he said.

The Balance Approach Vision costs RM13 billion.

“Which is best depends on your viewpoint. If you consider using a car is the way forward, then you might decide the highway approach is the best. If on the other hand, you consider protecting the enviroment, then the balance approach is the best way forward,” he said.

“From my viewpoint as a consultant, I think that at some point in time we have to make a decision as to whether the car is going to dominate,” he said.

He said that to emulate other international cities, the balanced approach was most suitable.

He noted that the balanced approach does not require the third link to be built.

nazrey

April 12th, 2012, 02:11 PM

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/11/15/nation/n_16penangplan.jpg
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/15/nation/20111115101424&sec=nation

Improve public transport in Penang instead of costly sea tunnel
Thursday April 12, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/4/12/nation/11088321&sec=nation#133423263170931967&if_height=338

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Government should focus on improving the public transportation system in the state, particularly with the construction of an LRT system, said Komtar Barisan Nasional coordinator Loh Chye Teik.

“The state should fulfil the dream of Penangites to have an LRT system around the island.

“The LRT system will also cost less than building a sea tunnel, which will bring more vehicles to the island,” he said yesterday.

Loh was commenting on the recent Penang Master Plan Study in which Halcrow Consultants director Dave Turner said a third link (the sea tunnel) was not necessary if public transportation was improved.

He also urged the state government to put up LED panels at bus stops so that passengers would know when a bus was coming and which one to take.

“Such panels have been put up in many international cities and we should do the same.

“It is currently very confusing to take a bus as passengers do not know how long they have to wait or which bus to take,” he added.

On another matter, Loh suggested that the state government to come up with clear guidelines on the setting up of telecommunication towers.

“I've heard complaints from people about telco towers that are built in residential areas. The radiation from these towers is very harmful.

“If the state government can be anti-Lynas, which is not even in Penang, why can't they also protect Penangites from the harmful radiation of the telco towers in residential areas?” he said, referring to the Lynas Advanced Materials plant in Gebeng, Kuantan.

Loh and his service team members, the Penang Diabetic Society and the Penang 1MCA Foundation were earlier at the Anson Road market to provide free blood glucose and blood pressure readings to the public.

buildship

April 12th, 2012, 04:26 PM

Cathay Pacific 10X Weekly Between Penang and Hong Kong 10 APR 2012

Z1EUFSAKDBs

semsemyee

April 13th, 2012, 04:21 PM

Improve public transport in Penang instead of costly sea tunnel
Thursday April 12, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/4/12/nation/11088321&sec=nation#133423263170931967&if_height=338

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Government should focus on improving the public transportation system in the state, particularly with the construction of an LRT system, said Komtar Barisan Nasional coordinator Loh Chye Teik.

"The state should fulfil the dream of Penangites to have an LRT system around the island.

"The LRT system will also cost less than building a sea tunnel, which will bring more vehicles to the island," he said yesterday.

Loh was commenting on the recent Penang Master Plan Study in which Halcrow Consultants director Dave Turner said a third link (the sea tunnel) was not necessary if public transportation was improved.

He also urged the state government to put up LED panels at bus stops so that passengers would know when a bus was coming and which one to take.

"Such panels have been put up in many international cities and we should do the same.

"It is currently very confusing to take a bus as passengers do not know how long they have to wait or which bus to take," he added.

On another matter, Loh suggested that the state government to come up with clear guidelines on the setting up of telecommunication towers.

"I've heard complaints from people about telco towers that are built in residential areas. The radiation from these towers is very harmful.

"If the state government can be anti-Lynas, which is not even in Penang, why can't they also protect Penangites from the harmful radiation of the telco towers in residential areas?" he said, referring to the Lynas Advanced Materials plant in Gebeng, Kuantan.

Loh and his service team members, the Penang Diabetic Society and the Penang 1MCA Foundation were earlier at the Anson Road market to provide free blood glucose and blood pressure readings to the public.

This guy so good in talking!!! Haha these all shits done by BN gov, MCA just always talk n talk no action be taken

nazrey

April 13th, 2012, 07:36 PM

Penang transport masterplan for public viewing
Published: Friday April 13, 2012 MYT 5:44:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/4/13/nation/20120413175615&sec=nation#13343385537412681&if_height=384

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Transport Master Plan is up for viewing at various places in the state from Monday until the end of the month.

State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow urged the people to give their feedback via a questionnaire during the public display.

“From April 16 until April 20, the public can view the draft copy at Komtar's Level Three concourse and Seberang Prai Municipal Council headquarters in Bandar Perda from 9am until 5pm.

“The draft copy will also be displayed at other locations, including Sunshine Farlim in Bandar Baru Air Itam, Gurney Plaza, Jusco Perda Mall and Sunway Carnival Mall.

“Penangites can also give input via the Penang Transport Council website at www.ptc.penang.gov.my before the end of April,” he told a press conference at Level 52 Komtar here Friday.

The full list of the locations and dates for the public display is available from the website.

The master plan encompasses several proposals to ease traffic congestion in the state.

Among them is the third link between the island and the mainland.