GEORGE TOWN: A new era in cross-channel transit is set to begin on Monday as the modern fleet of Penang ferries makes its long-awaited debut. Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan announced that the ferry service has received conditional approval from the Marine Department. “We are prepared for the first trip, although there are still a few minor issues that need to be resolved,” he stated.
Vasudevan added that for the inaugural journey, passengers can board the ferry at the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim on the mainland, destined for the Pengkalan Raja Uda terminal on the island at 6.30am. The four ferries, named after local places including Teluk Kumbar, Teluk Bahang, Teluk Duyung, and Teluk Kampi, arrived last month at Butterworth Wharf from the Haiphong shipyard in Vietnam. Beginning Monday, three of the four ferries will be operational, while one will be kept on standby. Each ferry is valued at RM18 million.
Set to sail: a new ferry at the raja uda terminal in Weld Quay. the old ferry can be seen in the background.
Besides the acquisition of the new ferries, the terminals on both ends have also been upgraded at a cost of RM30 million. These upgrades include air-conditioned waiting rooms for passengers, as well as facilities for WiFi, phone charging, and food outlets.
During the first month of operation, commuters will enjoy free rides, with the service running from 6am to 8.30pm. Each vessel has a capacity of carrying 150 passengers and 50 motorcycles and bicycles (only two-wheelers) for a one-way trip that takes just ten minutes, half the time of the old ferries.
While the new ferry rates have yet to be announced, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has assured the public that the rates will be reasonable. All old Penang ferries have been retired, with the final one decommissioned in December 2022. Motorists and other vehicle drivers will be required to use the two bridges to cross the channel.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
