Following the success of the dedicated bus lane programme in Kuala Lumpur, Penang is set to follow suit with a similar project, doing so with a six-month long trial bus lane project on parts of Jalan Penang and Jalan Ria starting from next week.
The 500-metre pilot project aims to enhance the efficiency of Rapid Penang bus services, which have been impacted by traffic congestion, leading to delays in buses reaching their stops and terminals, the New Straits Times reports.
According to state infrastructure and transportation committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the 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 Jalan Ria From the intersection of Jalan Ria/Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong to the intersection of Jalan Ria/Jalan Magazine (200 metres) and on Jalan Penang, from the intersection of Jalan Penang/Jalan Magazine/Jalan Datuk Keramat to Jalan Penang/Jalan Burma (100 metres) and 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. He said that only public buses, charter buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles will be allowed to use the bus lanes, and urged road users in the affected areas to cooperate.
During the trial period, signage will be placed along the routes, while safety cones will be placed along the bus lanes during operating hours and removed once the lanes are closed. There will be enforcement by authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow and compliance with the bus lane restrictions.
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penang drivers? goodluck, someone will park in the lane so he needs to walk less by 5 meters to buy char koay teow at the kopitiam.
Lmao, on Penang Road?! Good f’ing luck!