GEORGE TOWN: Penangites have urged Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), the operator of the new Penang ferries, to review the ferry fares announced recently.
Several commuters, particularly motorcyclists, met by the New Straits Times, said the new fares, a two-way charge, was seen as expensive.
They also claimed there was little information provided on the matter.
Contract worker, Lee Teik Keat, 75, who travels between the mainland and island for work daily, said the new fare was rather high, considering commuters were charged twice, at the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) and the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) ferry terminals respectively.
"I only earn RM1,500 a month and I have to pay RM5 just to use the ferry daily using my motorcycle. And I haven't even factored in petrol prices and other expenses.
"I hope the ferry operator can review the fares. I used to pay only RM2 previously," he said when met at the PRTU here this morning.
Lee was also clueless about the monthly pass for frequent commuters.
For Kafa teacher, Syazwi Iqbar, 22, he considers the RM2.50 imposed on motorcyclists for a one-way trip as expensive.
"Previously, it was only RM2 for a round trip. This will add to the burden of the commuters, who are already facing rising costs.
"I thought the RM2.50 was for a round trip. I did not expect it to be just a one-way trip. Even then, it is still expensive," he added.
He also said there was little information provided to commuters.
Another motorcyclist, Jeffrey Chun, 28, said he rarely used the ferry service and was trying out the new ride.
"For me, the RM2.50 fare imposed for one-way is considerably okay. But that is because I seldom use it.
"If I have to depend on the ferry service for work daily, then it can be quite expensive.
Beginning yesterday, ferry commuters were charged between RM1 and RM2.50 one-way when using the service.
Children below 12 years of age were charged RM1 while adults above 12 years of age were charged RM2.
Commuters using bicycles were charged RM2 while those using motorcycles were charged RM2.50.
The new ferry fares would be a two-way charge for commuters at the PRTU and PSAH ferry terminals.
This meant, for example, an adult would be charged RM4 in total — RM2 from PSAH and RM2 from PRTU.
PPSB said, in addition to the ferry fares, it would also introduce a monthly pass offering significant discounts for frequent travellers.
With the pass, commuters could enjoy 50 per cent discount on the monthly pass until Dec 31 and thereafter 30 per cent discount starting from Jan 1 next year.
The new ferry fares reflected PPSB's commitment towards continued improvement for all passengers, while also supporting the upgraded facilities of the ferry service.
Ferry commuters had been enjoying month-long free rides since Aug 7 following the arrival of four new Penang ferries.
At RM18 million each, the new ferries would be used to carry pedestrians and two-wheelers.