The bus lane trial project in Penang will start on November 19, 2024, in parts of Jalan Penang and Jalan Ria.
Penang will be the Second State in Malaysia after KL to Implement the Trial Project
Penang announced a plan to implement the bus lane trial project for six months to see its feasibility and cut down on travel time, especially during peak hours. It will be the second state in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur to implement the trial in a bid to improve the level of public transport service.
According to State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari, the bus lane trial project in Penang will be implemented in collaboration with the Penang City Council (MBPP) and Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Penang). The project is set to start on November 19, in parts of Jalan Penang and Jalan Ria.
“The implementation of this bus lane trial project is from the Jalan Ria/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong junction until Jalan Ria/Jalan Magazine, which is about 200 metres; from Jalan Penang/Jalan Magazine/Jalan Datuk Keramat junction until Jalan Penang/Jalan Burma (100m); and from Jalan Penang/Lebuh Chulia until Jalan Penang/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong (200m),” explained Zairil, as quoted by the Bernama news agency.
“The trial run will be for six months from Nov 19 to May 19, 2025, and will be tried out daily, including on public holidays. The operating hours are from 6.30 am to 9 am and 4.30 pm to 8 pm,” he added,
Zairil said that only public buses, tour buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles will be allowed to use the bus lanes. With this initiative, he expects travel time can be reduced by 10 to 15 minutes like in Kuala Lumpur.
Traffic congestion in Penang, Zairil said, has negatively affected the efficiency of Rapid Penang’s services, with buses arriving late at every stop and terminal. During the trial run, MBPP will put up signage with safety cones also set up along the lanes. MBPP enforcement personnel, in collaboration with the police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), will monitor the sites to ensure smooth traffic flow along the bus lanes.
