GEORGE TOWN: At-grade train and tram system would not be suitable for flood prone Penang.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said flood’s in the state especially at the island are bound to occur due to climate change and the flood waters could potentially damage the tram system, disrupting its services.
"Trams run by electronic systems which are usually installed at the base of the tracks, so during floods it will be exposed, short circuit and be damaged.
"Imagine when the tram is stuck, this is one of the reason why we proposed for an elevated LRT (light rail transit) system for Penang," he said.
Chow was speaking after attending a Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) students forum at Advance Tertiary College here today.
In the forum, he explained the importance of having a LRT system in Penang, as per proposed in the multi-billion ringgit Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
The LRT, which will connect Komtar to Bayan Lepas with several stations in its route, will provide an alternative public transport system for the people to reach their destination.
He said elevated LRT will ensure a dedicated corridor for faster trains and improved operational reliability and also sufficient capacity for increased ridership demand from Penang International Airport (PIA) and Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone expansions.
He adds that the issue of utilities relocation and stations would be a major hurdle in implementing the tram system.
“Relocation of utilities also involves costs, the stations would also be an issue where people have to cross the road from one side to another to reach the stations.
"LRT stations on the other hand are elevated, some said it is not OKU (disabled people) friendly, but nowadays we have lifts for it. Even the LRT systems will not be a large, as long as it fits our requirements then it is good enough," he added.
The PTMP project, announced in 2015, would consist of the LRT, undersea tunnel and three paired roads.
The project would be funded through the reclamation of three man-made islands, with the size of 809ha, 526ha and 324ha respectively, for industrial, housing and commercial purposes.
Chow said that the most important matter at the moment is acquiring approval for the projects.