6-month bus lane trial in George Town from Nov 19

 

The Chowrasta stretch of Penang Road in George Town is one of three areas where a bus lane trial will be in place for six months. (Bernama pic)

GEORGE TOWN: 

A six-month trial of a bus lane in the city centre during the morning and evening rush hours will begin on Nov 19.

The bus lanes will be implemented at the Komtar and Chowrasta stretches of Penang Road and Jalan Ria every day from 6.30am to 9am, and 4.30pm to 8pm.

Only public buses, tour buses, taxis and emergency vehicles will be allowed to use the bus lanes during the period.

State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari said the pilot project is aimed at determining the feasibility of bus lanes and its ability to cut down on travel time, especially during peak hours.

Zairil said he expects travel time during peak hours will be reduced, based on the success of bus lanes in Kuala Lumpur which cut travel time by 10-15 minutes.

He said traffic congestion in Penang has had a big impact on Rapid Penang’s bus services, with buses arriving late at every stop and terminal.

Zairil said the island city council (MBPP) police, and the road transport department will monitor the bus lanes to ensure smooth traffic flow during the initial stages of the trial. - FMT