I refer to the article Public transport - is the govt serious?

While JJ Ray realistically states the problems of the public transport system in the Klang Valley and Johor Baru, she quite obviously has not been to the other big city in the country ie. Georgetown, Penang.

The problems there are far worse as no real public transport system exists, no planning has been done, no consultation with the rakyat has ever been held before any 'bright idea' projects were started on and no government department wants to take responsibility for the chaos the public transport system is in.

I would invite JJ to visit the 'Pearl' of the Orient and 'indulge' in the public transport experience especially in the remote areas of hillside Tanjung Bungah. Also, be aware that Penang has no such thing as an LRT or monorail or even commuter trains either on the island or on the mainland.

So you would be wholly dependent on public buses and taxis. Please bring a lot of cash as taxis do not use meters and cost much, much more than those in KL. You could pay RM30 to RM35 just for the ride from Bayan Lepas International Airport to the city center.

There may also be no buses from the airport or you might be lucky to get one if a driver decides to go there. Please leave your car at home as there are already too many cars in Penang and traffic congestion is as bad as in KL.

If you want the get a 'real Mc Coy' experience of public transport in Penang, the best way is to be totally dependent on it. Enjoy your experience.