Penang govt to request proposals for water taxi service

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government plans to call for a Request for Proposal (RFP) to realise the state’s water taxi service after it failed to receive any response on the idea.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the service would open more routes and transportation networks by connecting the island and mainland via water transportation.

Tanjung Tokong, George Town, Jelutong, Butterworth, Perai, Bukit Tambun, Batu Kawan, Nibong Tebal and other areas on the island and Seberang Prai have been suggested as locations for the service.

“This proposal has been included in the Penang Transport Master Plan. However, no action has been forthcoming, hence we might proceed with RFP. This will connect the island and the mainland, and also the multi-level paths between it. Rapid Ferry Sdn Bhd is welcome to issue tender as ferries will be the main transportation (for the water taxi service),” he said here yesterday.

He was responding to suggestions to optimise the frequency of ferry operations, which stands at 54 journeys daily between Monday and Friday and 50 trips for Saturdays and Sundays.

On the operational cost of ferry services in the state, he said their collections were lower compared with their operational costs.

“We are awaiting a response from Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, which is drafting a proposal to improve the ferry services”.