Balik Pulaurians will soon be able to reach Teluk Bahang and all the villages in between by bus, and in just one trip, thanks to RapidPenang that will begin its operation with a new bus fleet this coming 1st of August, 2007. And it'll be FREE RIDE for two days!

Free bus rides for two days
Saturday May 12, 2007

By ZARINAH DAUD

BUS commuters will enjoy free rides for two days when RapidPenang makes its debut in the state on Aug 1.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the free ride would allow commuters to enjoy a first-hand experience on the brand new air-conditioned buses that RapidPenang had purchased.

He said the company had proposed a fare structure of RM1 for the first 7km. The fare for subsequent kilometres would be based on the routes.

He cautioned that there might be some teething problems which the bus company would resolve immediately.

“Some people are sceptical about the new bus service but please give RapidPenang a chance to do its best. I am confident that the new bus service will be a success.

“The company is upgrading the Lorong Kulit depot, bus hubs and holding areas which will be ready in July,” he told a press briefing yesterday.

Nor Mohamed said Penangites could “kiss and ride” with the new bus system. All the 150 buses purchased by RapidPenang would be on the road in August.

In the West, he added, commuters would take a bus or train ride after kissing their spouses and children goodbye.

RapidPenang, a subsidiary of Rangkaian Pengangkutan Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL), is owned by the Ministry of Finance.

It has been given a RM31mil federal loan to buy 150 new buses and RM20mil five-year interest-free loan as working capital.

Nor Mohamed said RapidPenang would ply five main corridors on the island – Balik Pulau to Weld Quay, Bayan Lepas to Weld Quay, Air Itam to Weld Quay, Teluk Bahang to Weld Quay and Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau.

A bus service linking the island to Seberang Prai will be revived and RapidPenang is also introducing several new routes, including to Vale of Tempe, Teluk Tempoyak and Pulau Betong in Balik Pulau.

A total of 135 buses will ply from 6am to 11pm daily, at intervals of 20 to 30 minutes. Fifteen other buses will be on standby in case of breakdowns.

Nor Mohamed said the company was recruiting drivers and that their background was being scrutinised.

SOURCE: The Star Online > North