In the hype of the planned MRT system in Klang Valley, the government should not forget that other cities in Malaysia are also in need of a multi-modal transportation system.
Although it is undeniable that the Klang Valley region, with an estimated population of 7 million people should be more prioritized for a world class transportation system, secondary cities such as Penang and Johor Bahru also must not be forgotten.
Penang, for example is in need for a city rail transportation system. Whilst it is already planned for a monorail system to be implemented in Penang under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, it is without any reliable and relevant reason why should the high impact project be scrapped.
As an island, Penang has no other choice but to plan further up ahead for a better traffic management, if it doesn't want to turn out like the Klang Valley with its notorious traffic congestion. The situation is worst in Penang as it was an island, and the only way out of any traffic congestion off the island is via the Penang bridge, which is known to be pretty badly congested during peak hours!
Hence, a rail system connecting Balik Pulau and Bayan Lepas is very much due. And it won't be enough to just built a monorail line, as it will only cater for a small ridership. The state and Federal government should plan for a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system on the island.
An LRT system should be able to cater to a wider passenger base. With a comprehensive LRT system on the island, the government "may" discourage the use of private vehicles on the island by imposing higher toll rates on Penang bridge and the Second bridge. With higher toll rates, people from the mainland might want to use the ferry service in Butterworth, hence reviving the lack-lustre service.
For people to utilizes the ferry system, the Penang Sentral in Butterworth should be expanded and be linked to the jetty. This is so that vehicles could be parked at Penang Sentral for a relevant fee and then just use the ferry to get into Penang island. Maybe the government could put in place regulation that only allows Penang island registered vehicles to enter and leave the island via the Penang bridge at a lower toll rates.
Penang is set to become the next global city in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur. Penang already has all it takes to compete with any other Asian cities, including Singapore and Hong Kong in terms of economic and tourism activity. The only major hindrance is the lack of infrastructure in Penang as compared to the other major Asian cities. With the LRT system on Penang island, many economic values could be unlocked.
The Federal government should not neglect Penang as the Pearl of the Orient is the key for a better, forward and progressive Malaysia.
Although it is undeniable that the Klang Valley region, with an estimated population of 7 million people should be more prioritized for a world class transportation system, secondary cities such as Penang and Johor Bahru also must not be forgotten.
Penang, for example is in need for a city rail transportation system. Whilst it is already planned for a monorail system to be implemented in Penang under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, it is without any reliable and relevant reason why should the high impact project be scrapped.
As an island, Penang has no other choice but to plan further up ahead for a better traffic management, if it doesn't want to turn out like the Klang Valley with its notorious traffic congestion. The situation is worst in Penang as it was an island, and the only way out of any traffic congestion off the island is via the Penang bridge, which is known to be pretty badly congested during peak hours!
Hence, a rail system connecting Balik Pulau and Bayan Lepas is very much due. And it won't be enough to just built a monorail line, as it will only cater for a small ridership. The state and Federal government should plan for a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system on the island.
An LRT system should be able to cater to a wider passenger base. With a comprehensive LRT system on the island, the government "may" discourage the use of private vehicles on the island by imposing higher toll rates on Penang bridge and the Second bridge. With higher toll rates, people from the mainland might want to use the ferry service in Butterworth, hence reviving the lack-lustre service.
For people to utilizes the ferry system, the Penang Sentral in Butterworth should be expanded and be linked to the jetty. This is so that vehicles could be parked at Penang Sentral for a relevant fee and then just use the ferry to get into Penang island. Maybe the government could put in place regulation that only allows Penang island registered vehicles to enter and leave the island via the Penang bridge at a lower toll rates.
Penang is set to become the next global city in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur. Penang already has all it takes to compete with any other Asian cities, including Singapore and Hong Kong in terms of economic and tourism activity. The only major hindrance is the lack of infrastructure in Penang as compared to the other major Asian cities. With the LRT system on Penang island, many economic values could be unlocked.
The Federal government should not neglect Penang as the Pearl of the Orient is the key for a better, forward and progressive Malaysia.
