PTMP: Transport ministry to discuss with Penang govt on public transport mode

GEORGE TOWN: The Transport Ministry will hold a meeting with the Penang state government to discuss on the mode of public transport that is suitable for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) in order to improve traffic congestion in the state.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said he had asked the top management of the Land Public Transport Commission ( SPAD) to brief Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on the findings and study of the matter that was conducted by the commission.

“I think the meeting will take place very soon. After that of course we have to consult the state on what they want, what they wish for and then we will process accordingly,” he told a press conference after witnessing the joint venture signing ceremony between Penang Port Sdn Bhd and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, here yesterday.

He said the findings have shown that light rail transit ( LRT) might not be the best option and they had other proposals to be considered by the state government.

“We have other proposals but it is up to the state government to decide which options is the best. For us is that we want to give other options to the state government to choose,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chow who was also present at the press conference, said that the state government was open to options.

“I believe now probably the study has been completed. They can now engage us and look at the options LRT, tram, BRT ( bus rapid transit) or MRT (mass rapid transit), we are willing to talk to SPAD. So that whatever it is with the financing secured, then we can implement this public transport project,” he said.

The PTMP is a state-initiated project costing an estimated RM46 billion and features an undersea tunnel linking the island to the mainland, highways, LRT, monorail as well as extensive bus connectivity on both the island and the mainland.

On other development, Loke said the ministry had yet to give any approval to AirAsia for setting up a low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.

He said no final decision had been made to set up the LCCT in the airport.

On Aug 6, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng announced that Penang is set to get a LCCT at Penang International Airport after the airport had surpassed its maximum capacity last year. — Bernama