RapidPenang

:nuts: Realized a similar thread in Urban thread.Hope mod could merge this.Sorry.

‘New bus service will succeed’
By : Sharanjit Singh



Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop looking at an artist’s impression of the RapidPenang depot in Penang yesterday.


GEORGE TOWN: RapidPenang will not be a failure.
This assurance was given by Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop who said that the scepticism on whether the transportation system involving the company will succeed was unfounded.

"I want to say that we have thought it out and planned it well.

"We have put in a lot of effort and there is a lot of political will to ensure it will work," he said.

While admitting that there may be some teething problems when the service is introduced by Aug 1, he said the public should view the development in a positive light.
"I am happy that issues that have cropped up have been settled and everything is proceeding smoothly.

"There will be no recurrence of previous failures," he added.

Speaking at a press conference to give an update on the RapidPenang service, which has been touted as the beginning of better things for the public transportation system in Penang, he said it would offer two days free service for commuters on its launch date.

Also present at the press conference was State Local Government and Traffic Committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan.

The poor state of the public bus system in Penang has been constantly criticised by commuters and non-governmental organisations for many years.

RapidPenang, a company under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, will manage and run its own buses soon.

The company has bought 150 new buses for RM50 million, and passengers could look forward to an efficient and reliable service.

On the RM1.02 billion Penang Outer Ring Road and Monorail projects, he said both were being pursued and would be carried out as planned.

NST

Courtesy classes for Penang bus drivers

He said the drivers would also be trained to be considerate and res-ponsible.

This was because many com-plaints had been received about drivers who were reckless, rude and rough to passengers, he said.

“We have also advised RapidPe-nang to be cautious when hiring bus drivers,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

RapidPenang acting chief executive officer Douglas David said about 200 bus drivers would be recruited for the service which would be starting in August.

Dr Teng also said the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) was expected to approve the routes and fare structure for RapidPenang buses by end of the month.

He said the state was working very closely with RapidPenang to finalise details of the routes.

“We are also working out the fare structure including day and monthly passes, passes for students, senior citizens and the disabled,” he said.

Dr Teng said the state had ordered 150 low-floor buses from China for the bus service.

“For the time being, we will not be having special buses for the disabled who use wheelchairs,” he said.



Working together: (From left)Penanti assemblyman Datuk Abdul Jalil Abdul Majid,Dr Teng,Datuk Keramat assemblyman Ong Thean Lye and David looking at some documents on the new bus system.

RapidPenang ready to hit the streets on July 31
2007/07/17
NewStraitTimes




Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop launching the
courtesy and road-safety campaign for RapidPenang bus drivers at the
company’s depot in Sungai Nibong yesterday.

GEORGE TOWN: Half of the commuters on the island may be using public transportation by 2011.

This is expected to become a reality with the completion of major projects like the second Penang Bridge, Monorail, Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and the introduction of RapidPenang bus services.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the projects were in the process of being implemented.

"I am sure that the public transportation system in Penang will be transformed once the projects are ready in four to five years," he said.

Nor Mohamed said an efficient public transportation system was crucial to the economy as it was linked to productivity and the country could not afford to continue losing valuable man hours due to traffic jams.
"That is why we have planned several significant projects, which are now being carried out.

"It is hoped that public transportation service will no longer be an issue in Penang once these projects are ready," he added.

He was speaking after officiating a courtesy and road-safety campaign for RapidPenang bus drivers at the company’s depot in Sungai Nibong here yesterday.

On RapidPenang, Nor Mohamed said everything was already in place for the company to start operations on July 31 when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launches the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).

RapidPenang, a company under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, has bought 150 new buses for RM50 million.

Nor Mohamed hoped the company would emulate the success of RapidKL, which had been serving Kuala Lumpur since 2004.

"Many are happy with the services provided by RapidKL and it is hoped that a similar trend will be seen in Penang."

The company has identified 33 routes, of which 26 are on the island. It is estimated that some 20,000 passengers will use RapidPenang buses daily.

Nor Mohamed said passengers could now look forward to a reasonable fare, ranging from RM1 to RM3.50 per trip, depending on the route.

There will also be free rides when the service is introduced on July 31 until Aug 2.

Rapid Penang bus drivers under fire

The Star Online > Nation

Friday November 23, 2007
MYT 3:21:32 PM



Rapid Penang bus drivers under fire

By BERNARD SEE

PENANG: Rapid Penang bus drivers’ attitude on the road has become a cause for concern, said state DAP Action team chief Tham Weng Fatt.

"I have personally received more than 40 complaints from motorists about the bus drivers 'King of the Road' attitude over these past two months.

"I conducted a check on my own and found that they speed, beat the traffic lights and stop wherever they like to pick up passengers,” he told a press conference here on Friday.

Tham said most complaints came from motorists travelling along Jalan Burma, Jalan Jelutong, Jalan Air Itam, Jalan Paya Terubong Lebuh Chulia and along Weld Quay.

"I would like to urge motorists to join me in the fight to identify these drivers," said Tham, who urged motorists to note down the number of the bus and also the time and place that the incident took place and send it to him.

Tham said what he was doing was as a concerned citizen and not a politician, adding that motorists could call him at 012-4289937 to report the drivers' behaviour.

Rapid Penang corporate communications assistant manager Yap Lee Ying when contacted admitted that the company had received a few complaints about the drivers.

"Most of the complaints were for speeding and failure to issue tickets. Passengers can complain to us directly by calling 04-2381313 or through e-mail ([email protected]).

"Disciplinary action against the drivers can be in the form of dismissal for major cases or a reduction in their incentive payments," she said.






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

klbloke said:

Rapid Penang bus drivers under fire

By BERNARD SEE

PENANG: Rapid Penang bus drivers’ attitude on the road has become a cause for concern, said state DAP Action team chief Tham Weng Fatt.

"I have personally received more than 40 complaints from motorists about the bus drivers 'King of the Road' attitude over these past two months.


"Most of the complaints were for speeding and failure to issue tickets. Passengers can complain to us directly by calling 04-2381313 or through e-mail ([email protected]).

"Disciplinary action against the drivers can be in the form of dismissal for major cases or a reduction in their incentive payments," she said.

Click to expand...

I've said this for RapidKL and I will say the same for RapidPg...
Passengers need to be able to complain immediately when they see some dangerous action by the driver...

So here is my solution...

First, set up an SMS number for complaints.

Second, put a sign inside the bus so that passengers know that they can complain immediately by SMS

Third, place the vehicle plate number inside the bus, beside the clock.

This way if a passenger notices something happen, he/she can SMS: route <space> bus # <space> time <space> details and send to RapidKL or RapidPg.

Investigation happens immediately...

Cheers, m

^^ The worst attitude among Rapid drivers is not stopping at certain stops !! It happens sometimes in Federal Highway, for example the bus am frequently taking U80 ( KL Sentral-- Shah Alam UiTM ) moves very fast on Federal Highway and don't stop at all even ppl raise their hands to signal the bus to stop !

Crazeyyyyy

Rapid Penang launches bus route U602
Tuesday March 11, 2008
TheStar

RAPID Penang has launched its new bus route – Route U602 – from Butterworth to Kampung Selamat in Tasek Gelugor on March 9.

It will be the company's second route for North Seberang Prai after its first – U601 – from Kepala Batas to Megamal bus terminal in Prai.

Four buses will ply the U602 route from 6am to 9pm half-hourly, depending on the traffic flow along the route.

Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd creative communication assistant manager Yap Lee Ying said in a press statement recently that there would be 16 pickup points in Butterworth, Bagan Luar, Bagan Jermal, Bagan Ajam, Sungai Puyu, Sungai Lokan, Sungai Dua, Lahar Yooi, Merbau Kudong, Nyior Sebatang, Permatang Endah, Pokok Sena, Pokok Machang, Tasek Gelugor, Simpang Tiga Kampung Selamat and Kampung Selamat.

The fares range between RM1 and RM2.50. Senior citizens and disabled people with concession cards issued by the Welfare Department will be given a 50% discount. Those who wish to enjoy discounted rates can apply for discount cards at Rapid Penang’s headquarters in Lorong Kulit or at its information counter in Weld Quay. Students in school uniforms would also be charged half price.

any idea when they will have a bus route into the airport?

I cannot understand why they dont pick up that market...it helps passengers and airport employees as well!

Cheers, m

Looks like Penang UMNO wants the federal government to cancel the rapidpenang bus service. They said its because Penangites reject development and wanted change by voting for the opposition. What kind of mentality is that?

I guess Penang UMNO don't care about the citizens of Penang who rely on buses to get around.

I think these people that make such ridiculous statements should be kicked out.

Sheik said:

Looks like Penang UMNO wants the federal government to cancel the rapidpenang bus service. They said its because Penangites reject development and wanted change by voting for the opposition. What kind of mentality is that?

I guess Penang UMNO don't care about the citizens of Penang who rely on buses to get around.

I think these people that make such ridiculous statements should be kicked out.

Click to expand...

umno penang memang gila dari dulu. macam kene sawan kat otak.

memang sengal diorang ni.. macam buruk siku jer.. pemikiran UMNO penang ni betol2 mcm orang zaman batu...hno:

User's Perspective on the state of public transoprt - suggestions on how to improve it

Hi Everyone

The above is the exact title of a report (of sorts) that I have been asked to submit to the Ministry of Finance in preparation for Budget 2009. I have created a thread with more information.

I find that the title is vague enough to allow me a lot of leeway, so this is what I am going to do...produce 2 reports.

One will be a summary of my views and opinions about the state of public transport in Malaysia, including 3 years worth of articles and letters.

The other report will be from the rakyat...a collection of opinions from the people of Malaysia - articles, letters, and direct submissions.

So, I am asking those of you who are interested...please reply to this thread with your perspectives on public transport in Malaysia and suggestions on how to improve it. You can also send your ideas to the following email address... [email protected]

if you can be as specific as possible with the emails, (e.g. KTM Komuter, KTMB, RapidKL Bus, RapidKL LRT, Rapid Penang, Regulation of Public Transport, High Speed Rail, etc etc) that would be very helpful.

My goal is to swamp the Minstry of Finance with the opinions of the public who are just tired of poorly managed, poorly regulated, low quality public transport...as well as the opinions of those who see the good in what we have and the light at the end of the long dark tunnel.

I will not take credit for anyone's ideas that go into the 2nd report. I promise I will also give credit to others as much as possible, including a full credit each report.

Oh, and here is the fun thing...they want the report by 31 March 2008...

Cheers, m

RapidPenang tingkatkan khidmat pengguna

PULAU PINANG 13 Mac - Rapid Penang Sdn. Bhd. (RapidPenang) akan meningkatkan perkhidmatannya dalam menyediakan perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam yang efisien kepada orang ramai.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Azhar Ahmad berkata, ia penting memandangkan pengguna perkhidmatan syarikat pengangkutan itu kini mencecah purata 1.65 juta orang sebulan.

"Memandangkan pengguna perkhidmatan RapidPenang semakin bertambah semenjak ia mula beroperasi tujuh bulan lalu, kami akan pastikan perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan baik dan memuaskan.

"Kami mahu para pengguna gembira dan selesa dengan perkhidmatan yang disediakan tidak kira di bahagian pulau atau pun di kawasan Seberang Perai," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas majlis penghargaan kepada salah seorang Kapten Bas RapidPenang, Ibrahim Abdullah, 48, kerana menolong mangsa ragut, di ibu pejabatnya di sini, semalam.

Dalam kejadian pada 16 Januari lalu, Ibrahim membantu tiga mangsa yang terdiri daripada pekerja kilang dengan membawa mereka ke balai polis berdekatan.

Memandu

Semasa kejadian kira-kira pukul 1.30 petang itu, beliau sedang memandu bas di sekitar kawasan Bukit Minyak ketika menuju ke arah Butterworth.

Dalam pada itu, Azhar memberitahu, pihaknya akan memperluaskan lagi perkhidmatan dengan menambah jumlah bas sedia ada dan laluan operasi bas di negeri itu.

"Kami akan melebarkan lagi 'sayap' RapidPenang ke kawasan sekitar utara negeri ini seperti di Penaga, Kota Kuala Muda dan Kepala Batas dengan menambah kira-kira 50 buah bas lagi," jelasnya.

Beliau berharap dengan perkembangan positif itu, RapidPenang mampu mempertingkatkan lagi jumlah penggunanya pada masa hadapan di samping mengekalkan perkhidmatan bas yang sistematik, tersusun dan mesra serta bersih.

put 2 tv la in rapid penang!!

whats the background to this...

Rapid Penang to suspend service to Komtar for safety reason
By Bernama

27 March, 2008

PENANG: Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd will suspend its bus service to Komtar indefinitely beginning tomorrow for the safety of its drivers and passengers. Its chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad claimed that the company’s bus drivers plying the route were either threatened or beaten up by some people who were unhappy with them providing the service in the area.

“The suspension of our bus service to Komtar will be lifted once the authorities have taken action to ensure the safety of our drivers and passengers,” he told reporters who accompanied him during his visit to the Komtar bus terminal here today.

Several buses were seen to be blocking the exit route of Rapid Penang buses from the terminal by stopping there for a long time despite not taking any passengers.

“Some of our drivers were threatened but they dared not lodge police reports as they feared for their safety,” said Azhar.

He said Rapid Penang had lodged several reports to the police and the Penang Island Municipal Council but no action had been taken so far.

“We hope stern action will be taken for the sake of the safety of our drivers and passengers,” he added.

Threatened, Rapid Penang skips Komtar

PENANG: Rapid Penang buses will no longer stop at the Komtar bus interchange from Friday onwards.

Rapid Penang chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said the company made the decision after one of its bus captains was threatened with a parang (machete) there on Sunday.

“This time, things have gone too far with a tonto threatening our bus captain with a parang in front of commuters.

“We are concerned for our drivers’ safety and will not stop at Komtar until action is taken to stop such acts,” he said, adding that bus commuters at Komtar could board Rapid Penang buses at the next stop in Jalan Datuk Keramat.

Azhar was speaking at a press conference onboard a Rapid Penang bus on Thursday.

He also showed pressmen the daily situation at the Komtar bus terminal, where buses from other companies often hogged Rapid Penang bus lanes.

“Lane 1 and 2 are for Rapid Penang buses but the other bus drivers just drive in, stop their buses and sometimes even park there."

Azhar said over a dozen police reports on threats and harassments had been lodged since last year.

They included cases of tontos threatening to beat up and pour acid on Rapid Penang drivers, and other bus drivers banging into their buses on the road.

Azhar said no arrests had been made so far.

“We hope the authorities will be more committed to putting an end to such unethical practices, which are also making commuters suffer,” he said.

When asked to comment on Rapid Penang’s move to stop plying Komtar, state Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said it would inconvenient commuters.

“Rapid Penang should not skip the Komtar stop but find a way to solve the problem,” he said.

“The state government will hold a meeting with representatives from the company, police, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP), Road Transport Department (JPJ) and other related bodies to find a solution as soon as possible to discuss the matter,” he said.

wah...penang become from bad to worse lah......

Rapid buses won’t stop at Komtar

PENANG: Rapid Penang buses will no longer stop at the Komtar bus interchange from Friday.

Rapid Penang chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said the company made the decision after one of its bus captains was threatened with a parang there on Sunday.

“This time, things have gone too far with a tonto threatening our bus captain with a parang in front of commuters.

“We are concerned for our drivers’ safety and will not stop at Komtar until action is taken to stop such acts,” he said, adding that bus commuters at Komtar could board Rapid Penang buses at the next stop in Jalan Datuk Keramat.

Azhar was speaking at a press conference onboard a Rapid Penang bus yesterday.

He also showed pressmen the daily situation at the Komtar bus terminal, where buses from other companies often hogged Rapid Penang bus lanes.

“Lanes 1 and 2 are for Rapid Penang buses but the other bus drivers just drive in, stop their buses and sometimes even park there.”

Azhar said over a dozen police reports on threats and harassments had been lodged since last year.

They included cases of tontos threatening to beat up and pour acid on Rapid Penang drivers, and other bus drivers banging into their buses on the road.

Azhar said no arrests had been made so far.

“We hope the authorities will be more committed to ending such unethical practices which are also making commuters suffer,” he said.

State Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said Rapid Penang's move would inconvenience commuters.

“Rapid Penang should not skip the Komtar stop but find a way to solve the problem,” he said.

“The state government will hold a meeting with representatives from the company, police, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board, Road Transport Department and other related bodies to find a solution as soon as possible,” he said.

OMG.What's is the use of the police hno:.