Zurich, Singapore, Hong Kong, Copenhagen and Amsterdam have among the best examples of a sustainable city transport system - now the Penang government wants its state to join them within the next seven years.

Its comprehensive sustainable transport policy aims to reduce traffic congestion, dissuade use of private vehicles, and increase the mobility of people and goods to reach destinations via public transportation.

Government officials interviewed said the plan includes a sustainable public transport system that is efficient, reliable and affordable for Penang residents and tourists.

Its main features will be a park 'n ride system, an integrated metropolitan bus service, free bus shuttle service and monorail service.

For a start, the state government has earmarked six sites - in Gelugor, Air Itam, Tanjung Tokong, Gat Lebuh Noordin, Mount Erskine and Relau - for the park `n ride policy.

This is to encourage residents to park vehicles at the sites and continue travelling to city-centre destinations via public transportation.

These sites will eventually be converted into transport hubs that connect bus, taxi and monorail services within George Town when these are upgraded or introduced. There will be two benefits - reduced congestion in the city centre and lower cost of transportation for users.

The Penang Island Municipal Council will develop and manage the transport hubs through joint ventures with private companies.

A free shuttle bus service currently covers the inner city areas between Komtar and the jetty. Another shuttle service, with a subsidised fare scheme, is provided for civil servants traveling between suburban areas such as Sungai Dua, Air Itam and Bagan Jermal and the city centre where virtually all government offices are located.

A monorail service will be implemented with help from the federal government, which will provide the capital investment.

To be operated by a consortium, it will be the main mode of travel in future, with buses and metered taxis providing feeder services.

To back up its transportation master plan, the state government has been promoting the use of slower modes of travel such as bicycles and trishaws, imposing high parking charges and being stricter with enforcing traffic rules.

ATHI VEERANGGAN is malaysiakini 's Penang-based stringer.