Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook yesterday announced that Penang residents and tourists can enjoy free shuttle ferry service in Penang for one month beginning 7 August 2023.
The free ferry service is between the island’s Raja Tun Uda Base (PRTU – Swettenham Pier cruise terminal) and Sultan Abdul Halim Base (PSAH) in Butterworth. As reported by BERNAMA, Loke announced four new ferries (about RM15 million each) have arrived in Penang, with the Penang Port Sdn Bhd using the four weeks as a trial period to carry out various exercises.
He added,
“This four-week training, among others, involves ferry pilots and at the same time, the Marine Department will commission these four ferries.
“This new ferry service will operate from 7 August, starting 6am to 8.30pm, while the frequency at peak times is every 30 minutes, of which the time taken for a one-way trip is 10 minutes (old ferry 20 minutes).”
When the ferry service starts operating on 7 August, all passengers including non-citizens can enjoy the service for free for one month. In terms of capacity, the ferry can accommodate 150 passengers and 50 motorcycles and bicycles (only two-wheelers) passengers (250 in total) at a time.
The Transport Minister added that up to three ferries will operate every day with one ferry placed on standby. All of the ferries were developed with a state-of-the-art concept and with full safety features including CCTVs.
As for the ferry service’s fare after the free period is over, Loke said that the matter will be announced at a later date, following discussion and agreement with the Penang Port Commission (PPC). However, he assured that the fare would be reasonably priced.
So, what do you guys think of this announcement by the Transport Minister? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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