By 2018, Penangites would be able to ride a 'Sky Cab', an alternative public transport mode to link the island to Butterworth on the mainland.

The cable-car system stretching a distance of three kilometres  or about 15 minutes would be able to cater for about 1,000 passengers per hour (one way).

The project, however, is subject to the Penang government and Penang Sentral Transportation Hub agreeing to implement it.

In announcing the proposal today, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Sky Cab station on the island will be located at Gat Lebuh Noordin.

"We have already entered into the advanced exploratory stage and hope this federal project can be completed and operational by 2018," Lim said at a press conference.

"It is quite a sustainable and concrete project proposal," he added.

He confirmed the project would be a joint effort between the state government and Penang Sentral.

"Every gondola can carry 10 passengers and is equipped with air-conditioning.

"It will provide an alternative form of transport which is easier, faster and more comfortable.

Asked if this would have an impact on the existing ferry service, Lim ( pix, above ) said 'no'.

He emphasised the project will serve as alternative link between the two locations to ease transportation demands of the island.

No objections from PPC

Lim assured his administration will work with the Penang Port Commission (PPC) to see the project materialise, adding the latter had not raised any objections so far.

"It does not obstruct the North Channel or the port's functions," Lim said, in explaining why there was no objections from the PPC to this plan.

Lim noted that Penang Sentral was a federal agency under the Northern Corridor Economic Region which was a government plan to accelerate growth and economy initiated by former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"We are helping the federal government as we enhance Penang Sentral," Lim said.

The land that houses the Penang Sentral hub belongs to the state government, said Lim, and it was outside the island's heritage zone gazzeted by Unesco.

The state will ensure that the project provides for some 200 parking spaces to cater for the needs of the public, added the chief minister.

Lim said the state government plans to consult the public for feedback on this cable-car project though no date for this has been fixed yet.

"There will also be a proposed observatory tower in the North Channel for passengers to stop and enjoy the view from the middle of the sea," said Lim.