GEORGE TOWN: Penang will launch a trial bus lane project on parts of Jalan Penang and Jalan Ria starting next Tuesday.
The 500-metre pilot project aims to enhance public transportation and support the Penang State Structure Plan 2030, which seeks to improve public transport services across the state.
State Infrastructure and Transportation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said that traffic congestion in Penang had significantly impacted the efficiency of Rapid Penang bus services, leading to delays in buses reaching their stops and terminals.
"This pilot project is designed to assess the feasibility of dedicated bus lanes and reduce bus travel time, particularly during peak hours.
"Based on the success of similar initiatives in Kuala Lumpur (Ampang Corridor, Genting Kelang Corridor, and Old Klang Road Corridor), which saved up to 10-15 minutes in bus travel time, we are hopeful for similar improvements in Penang," he said.
The trial is also expected to enhance safety for passengers, especially at the Chowrasta Market bus stop, where the bus lane will allow buses to operate smoothly without interference from other vehicles, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
The pilot bus lane project will be implemented on the following roads:
- Jalan Ria: From the intersection of Jalan Ria/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong to the intersection of Jalan Ria/Jalan Magazine (200 metres)
- Jalan Penang (North Komtar): From the intersection of Jalan Penang/Jalan Magazine/Jalan Datuk Keramat to Jalan Penang/Jalan Burma (100 metres)
- Jalan Penang (Chowrasta): From the intersection of Jalan Penang/Lebuh Chulia to the intersection of Jalan Penang/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong (200 metres)
Zairil said the pilot project would run for six months, operating daily — including public holidays — from 6.30am to 9am and 4.30pm to 8pm.
"Only public buses, charter buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles will be allowed to use the bus lanes," he said.
To implement the trial, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will install signage along the affected roads.
Safety cones will be placed along the bus lanes during operating hours and removed once the lanes are closed.
Enforcement will be overseen by MBPP officers, in cooperation with the police and the Road Transport Department, to ensure smooth traffic flow and compliance with the bus lane restrictions.
Zairil urged road users in the affected areas to cooperate and provide constructive feedback throughout the trial period, which will end on May 19 next year.
"The state government hopes this trial will contribute to smoother bus services and time savings, encouraging more people to switch to public transportation.
"The cooperation of road users is crucial to ensuring the success of this initiative," he said.