LETTERS: I recently visited Penang and had a good time there eating the delicious street food and walking around the seaside promenade at Gurney Drive and Persiaran Karpal Singh.
Penang has transformed a lot with sidewalks and public spaces. The Penang Island City Council has done a great job in making George Town a better city to live, learn, work and play in.
However, I wish to express my disappointment with Penang's public transport service.
Firstly, Rapid Penang buses don't accept Touch 'n Go cards. It's disappointing that in 2022, Rapid Penang accepts only cash payments.
Also, the Rapid Penang Journey Planner Pulse App is not user-friendly.
It is frustrating that Rapid Penang is not doing anything to improve the commuting experience.
I also wish to highlight the terrible connection between the ferry service and Penang Sentral.
I understand the Butterworth Terminal is undergoing upgrading works, but the temporary access from the jetty to Penang Sentral is awful.
Commuters are expected to carry their heavy bags through a flight of stairs. Why can't the temporary access route be more comfortable?
Upon arriving at Penang Sentral, there are no signboards to direct people to the Butterworth KTM station.
Again, commuters have to use a temporary exit door entrance and walk through a series of staircases with their heavy bags.
The commute from the ferry terminal to the Butterworth KTM station is supposed to be seamless and easy, but it was stressful and tiring.
If Penang aims to be a developed state by 2030, it needs to improve its public transport services.
While I understand public transport can be a complicated issue with many parties involved, this should be a priority for Penang.
The federal and state governments need to expedite the light rail transit or tram project for Penang, as the bus services cannot cover the entire Penang network.
RYAN PANICKER
Puchong, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times