New Penang passenger ferry service will be faster, and make 40 trips a day
Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief operating officer Radhi Mohamad has assured commuters between the island and the mainland that they will enjoy a much quicker trip, with travel time cut in half when the new passenger service system is in place next year.
“The two fast boat ferries can each take in 200 passengers, travelling at a speed of 12 to 15 knots (22-27 kph)...
Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief operating officer Radhi Mohamad has assured commuters between the island and the mainland that they will enjoy a much quicker trip, with travel time cut in half when the new passenger service system is in place next year.
“The two fast boat ferries can each take in 200 passengers, travelling at a speed of 12 to 15 knots (22-27 kph).
“It will take around 10 minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes during non-peak hours, with a maximum of 40 trips per day," Radhi is reported as saying by The Star today.
The current fleet of double-decked ferries, which can take over 20 minutes to cross, and are due to be phased out this week.
As the ferry service upgrade starts next year, the fast boats will be a temporary alternative until the ferry terminals are refitted to accommodate docking for high-tech water buses and vehicular ferries.
Radhi said that during the interim phase from Jan 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, upgrading works would be done at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth and the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal in Weld Quay for the new ferry services.
Those travelling from the island to the mainland will get a boarding chip at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT).
“We will use the existing pontoon at SPCT during the interim phase.
“A new bus stop, signalised zebra crossing and pedestrian walkway will be built near the pier along Weld Quay for the safety and convenience of pedestrians,” he said.
Radhi added that on the Butterworth side, a temporary roofed pontoon would be put up, adjacent to the existing Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal.
“Shuttle services will be provided for the elderly, disabled and pregnant women on both sides during this period.
“During Phase Two of the interim period, we will install a heavy-duty lift at the Butterworth terminal to make life easier for the disabled and those with bigger luggage,” Radhi added.
As for the vehicle transporter coming in 2022, Radhi said it can accommodate 100 motorcycles.
“The vessel will travel at a speed of 12 knots (22kph) and the travel time is between 12 and 15 minutes.
“We have proposed for two units to be acquired and they will start operation by July 2022 or even earlier,” Radhi said.
The issue has stirred waters in Penang with Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong and former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng getting embroiled in a war of words over the discontinuation of the iconic but ageing fleet of Penang ferries.
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