Penang island is a small place, really. Singapore is 710 square km while Penang island is just 293 square km. In terms of populations, Penang island has an estimated population of 680,000 while Singapore has already hit 5.4 million and planning for 6.9 million by 2030. Penang has always been jam-free when compared to KL. In recent years, the growing population and popularity among tourists meant that the jams in Penang island has become worse. Read my latest experience here: What’s up Penang? Jam has worsened. That’s why I was happy when Penang announced that GAMUDA is the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) for its Penang Transportation Masterplan. (PTMP)
In fact the plans included even TRAMS! Yes, this is among the proposals under the PTMP which also include LRT Lines and a 20km pan-island expressway linking Bayan Lepas and Tanjung Bungah. GAMUDA won through the SRS consortium which included two Penang-based property firms; Loh Phoy Yen Holdings Sdn Bhd and Ideal Property Development Sdn Bhd. Penang chief minister, Lim Guan Eng said that the trams would be reactivated within the heritage zone and this may make Penang unique and romantic. I personally think taking the slow tram on a hot day is likely to be ‘sweaty.’ Thus, I seriously think the trams must be equipped with air-conditioners.
The consortium would be working on a detailed execution masterplan, engineering designs, gather public feedback and obtain all state and federal approvals for each of the PTMP components. In terms of funding from the state, Lim said that it will be based on a land swap financial model. However, it is currently very premature. Perhaps better to wait for some approvals first. The Central LRT station is said to be sited in the old Prangin Market (Sia Boey). I used to eat economy rice there when I worked in Penang many years ago. A little unhygienic but food is good and cheap. From Sia Boey, it will have a 17.5km LRT line to Bayan Lepas via Kelawei Road to Paya Terubong via Datuk Kermit and Air Itam. All these areas are densely populated. Jams happen on a daily basis too.
Just like majority of all Penangites, I am waiting for more details. Speed is of essence and PTMP will be Penang’s biggest catalyst. In the mean time, I think the state has to be more serious in coming up with plans to reduce the number of cars travelling into Georgetown daily. Listen to the radio station announcements every morning and you would understand that there are roads in Penang having jams every day. Many years back when I was still working in Penang, the announcements would cover only the roads in the Klang Valley. Happy buying Penang. 🙂
written on 20 Aug 2015
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