These are interesting times for public transport in Penang. Last year, the state government tried to introduce a new bus routing system that ultimately failed. Then, the state government decided that it would take over bus services. The CVLB refused to allow this, and a compromise position was reached in that the state government would be free to operate its own bus service.

Just recently, the state government announced plans to buy new buses for the new bus service, and it was also announced that Rapid (the company that operates the KL bus and LRT service) will operate the new bus service, to be called RapidPenang.

Penang used to have a well-regulated transit system, which included a mix of government- operated and privately-operated companies. It was the deregulation of the system and the increased competition from the minibuses, along with the construction of the Penang Bridge, that created the public transit mess that exists today.

KL and Penang are starting to see a return to the government-regulated bus service. Right now, the future may appear bright for Penang, but there is a lot of hard work ahead. It is time for the government, the bus companies and the public to work together to create a successful public transit system. More work is still needed so that these services are more efficient.

In both KL and Penang, there should be a transport regulatory authority that decides what routes will be serviced, and decides on a common ticketing system for all bus companies.

This would allow multiple bus companies to operate along the same, government-controlled routes. The government-run bus service (RapidKL and RapidPenang) would provide the backbone for the bus service, and it would be supported by the other bus companies, especially on the main routes.

This type of government-regulated system would be very convenient for passengers. Since there would be a common ticket and common routes, passengers would be able to board the first bus that comes along. It would also help the bus companies, because they would be complementing each other, rather than competing with each other and their losses would be reduced.

Finally, it will help the local economy. The money spent in building the transit system is an investment in infrastructure, and will lead to greater economic growth. Public transit is a public service, and it is also a worthwhile government investment.