GEORGE TOWN: If all goes well, Penang will have the country's first proper water taxi service in 2024.
State Infrastructure and Transportation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said both the state government and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) always had the intention to provide the water taxi service, especially on the island.
He said the water taxi service would serve as an alternative mode of transport to the people, especially on the island.
"The main aim is to provide an alternative mode of transport which can be utilised by the people and indirectly reduce traffic congestion on the island.
"Besides that, the water taxi service is also aimed at encouraging tourism activities in the state," he told newsmen here today.
Present was MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Elaborating, Zairil said while it was hard to predict when the water taxi service would be made available as it was their first time doing so, he hoped for positive response from interested parties.
"Hopefully, those interested in the service will invest.
"The water taxi service is also a component in the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP)," he added.
To ensure the water taxi service comes into fruition, Zairil said the MBPP would call for a request for proposal (RFP) next week.
According to Yew, the tender for the water taxi would be called next Monday.
After a week, there would be a site briefing, he said.
"The RFP proposal will end in February next year. Thereafter, the MBPP and related agencies will evaluate the matter.
"The latter of award will be handed out in mid-2023. We expect the winning bidder to begin physical work three months after," he said.
Yew said they had identified four sites for the water taxi service namely Straits Quay, Swettenham Pier, Pantai Jerejak and Batu Maung jetty.
"If interested companies have other suggestions, we are ready to hear them out," he said.