The Penang State Government is set to introduce another free cross-channel bus service in the state which would link Bukit Mertajam on the mainland to Komtar Bus Terminal on the island side in George Town. The Penang State Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari said that the service will begin on New Year’s Day and is part of the state government’s efforts to optimise the public transport network in Penang, especially in integrating services between the mainland and the island.
As reported by Bernama, the free bus service is called the Cat Bridge Bukit Mertajam (CT14) and covers 26 kilometres. The bus service starts from Summit Bukit Mertajam and will go through Bandar Perda and Penang to head to the Komtar Bus Terminal in George Town.
Penang State Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari
The aforementioned route will be the trial route for six months beginning 1 January 2023, with 5 buses set to be used for the new line. Zairil elaborated that an average journey from end to end is expected to take between 60 to 85 minutes and passengers can identify the route for the red buses with the wrapping Bukit Mertajam Bas Merah (BM) to Komtar.
Previously on 1 March 2022, the Penang State Government introduced a free state-wide bus service under the Pas Mutiara initiative. One of the bus services includes a cross-channel route from Seberang Jaya to Komtar.
So, what do you guys think of this initiative by the Penang State Government? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
