Getting between Bayan Lepas and Batu Kawan would possibly quickly develop into loads simpler. The Penang authorities, along with Speedy Penang, is exploring a brand new CAT Bridge Route that will hyperlink each main industrial zones throughout the Penang Second Bridge.
In line with Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, the concept remains to be in its early levels, but when it takes off, it might supply a sensible and inexpensive manner for 1000’s of staff to journey between the island and mainland each day — and assist reduce down on visitors within the course of.
“This route is supposed to serve individuals who commute day by day between the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park,” Goh stated throughout a dialogue session held in Batu Kawan. “It’s about making journey simpler, greener, and extra dependable for everybody.”
The main focus group introduced collectively authorities representatives, Speedy Penang officers, and trade gamers to speak by means of the plan. The objective: to know what commuters really want earlier than finalising particulars like bus frequency, timing, and cease places.
Goh talked about that he’s been pushing for the same connection since 2018, however the earlier proposal didn’t undergo due to low ridership. This time, the staff hopes to design the service based mostly on actual knowledge and direct enter from employers and commuters.
He additionally inspired corporations to play their half by providing transport subsidies to workers, saying this might make public transport extra interesting and assist scale back the variety of personal automobiles on the highway. “When employers assist public transport use, everybody advantages — much less visitors, much less stress, and cleaner air,” he stated.
If the undertaking is accredited, college students will have the ability to journey at no cost, making it simpler for younger commuters who journey between the 2 areas.
Nurul Asyikin Abd Rahman from the State Financial Planning Division added that the staff is reviewing all proposed pick-up and drop-off factors to make sure comfort and encourage extra individuals to hop on board. “We’re about 1,000 day by day riders as a begin — particularly these working in Batu Kawan however residing in Bayan Lepas, and vice versa,” she stated.
The CAT Bridge Route, as soon as finalised, might develop into one other step ahead in Penang’s push for a extra related, sustainable transport system — one which strikes individuals effectively whereas retaining the state’s roads much less congested.
