BUS passengers can now ride Rapid Penang buses direct from Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas to the tourism belts of Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang respectively, effective yesterday.

With the new route, commuters no longer have to transit at the Weld Quay bus terminal to take the journey to Teluk Bahang.

The direct route, described as the ‘Rock Route’ since the bus would be passing by Hard Rock Hotel on its way to Teluk Bahang, would only cost a flat rate of RM5 from the airport to Teluk Bahang and vice versa.

Rapid Penang chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said residents living in Bayan Lepas, Bayan Baru and Gelugor area who were working in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang, as well as those living in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang but working in the Free Trade Zone in Bayan Lepas, would be the ones to benefit from this service apart from airline passengers.

The first bus for the Rock Route — 102 — starts at 5.30am while the last departs at 10pm.

“Rapid Penang hopes to reduce the use of private vehicles. This would ease the traffic congestion on Penang island,” he said after launching the new route at Hard Rock Hotel yesterday.

Azhar said Rapid Penang had also extended its Route 306 from the airport to Penang Hospital by plying through the Paya Terubong and Air Itam areas.

“The residents here can now travel to Penang Hospital conveniently.

“This is in line with our initiative as a caring and responsible corporate company that also oversees the social needs of our commuters,” he said.

The first bus for Route 306 starts at 6am while the last departs at 10.30pm.

“Four buses will ply the 102 and 306 routes respectively, with the frequency of an hourly interval,” he said.

The journey from the start to end point of both routes will take around one hour and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic flow.

Azhar said Rapid Penang would also be ceasing operations of its Route 401A from the airport to Weld Quay.

“However, commuters at the airport will still be able to commute on the Route 401 and 401E buses from Balik Pulau to Komtar and Weld Quay,” he said.

By ANN TAN
Tuesday March 16, 2010
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