Penang Watch

There is a limited testing of RapidPg's new buses going on without any notice going to the public. It is only open to a limited or select group working on universal access. Penangwatch understand that there are interests from KL and even Singapore to inspect these new buses since they, if approved, may become models for new orders  in KL and Singapore-since the bus assembler are the same in all caes ie Gemilang, with chasis design by European based Scania. Singapore has recentl;y been ordering hundreds of such Gemilang/Scania made buses as reported in Singfapore press. So watch out the new buses!

 Problems: the new buses may meet the standards in Singapore because Singapore has uniforem kerb heights whereas Malaysian cities don't have. So? 

From insiders' info: The new buses are also being tested by RTD-who has a problem with the new buses' lack of a driver door. SOme said that 30 units have been approved through some negotiations. Implications: if the buses had already been built -what if they don't fit the bill? Will they be like the last batch of `disabled friendly' buses which were only for show?

More serious trouble: the ramp has been said to be reduced by 8"-making it potentially too steep for safety. From the star report picture the ramp does look quite steep. Well fopr those who are selected to do inspection : look closely! Many people's safety may be at stake!

Ong BK

Wednesday May 6, 2009
Ring the bell
By CHRISTINA CHIN, Photos by WAN MOHIZAN WAN HUSSEIN

PENANG
can soon boast having a disabled-friendly bus system as Rapid Penang’s
new fleet of 200 buses will be just that – disabled-friendly!

There are currently two prototypes plying the streets for the past month, and more are arriving in stages from Sweden.

“So
far, the response we’ve received for the two that are currently running
has been positive. We will continue to work closely with
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the state to cater to the
disabled community’s needs,” said Rapid Penang chief executive officer
Azhar Ahmad.

Purpose-built:
The bus' hydraulic system will lower the bus before the ramp is
extended out for wheelchair users to board the bus and (bottom pic)
Azhar showing off the special seat belts for the disabled.

The
prototypes are equipped with seat belts, special bells, ramps and a
hydraulic system that can lower the bus by 50mm for the
wheelchair-bound.

“Our bus captains were all trained by
University Sains Malaysia on how to assist these special passengers.
There is a special button outside the bus for the wheelchair-bound to
press when they want to get on,” he told StarMetro in an interview.

Fleet
to boast of: The bell located outside the bus is specially for
wheelchair users. At the sound of the special chime, the bus captain
will come down and assist the disabled passenger up the bus.

“We will launch a campaign to create awareness among the disabled community on the availability of these buses next month.

He
said the new aluminium-structure buses were much lighter and hence,
saved up to 20% in fuel usage, compared to the company’s existing buses
which were made in China.

The Swedish made buses, however, were twice the price of the buses from China, Azhar.

“In Kuala Lumpur, there are only 30 disabled-friendly RapidKL buses,” Azhar said.

The
company currently has 150 buses plying routes in Penang with 110 on the
island and 40 on the mainland, and the new buses will be a full
complement.

Azhar also said the company wanted to adopt all the
303 bus stops in Penang to make them “more comfortable and
disabled-friendly” but would have to wait until the state’s advertising
contracts with other companies expired.

“About 80% of the bus
shelters have been taken up by advertisers so we have to wait for a few
years but we are willing and committed,” he added.

On the free
shuttle bus service within George Town’s inner city, Azhar said a
recent survey revealed that it was well received by students, office
workers and tourists who want to get to the Komtar bus interchange.

The cost of running the service which operates from 6am to midnight daily, is paid for by the Penang Municipal Council.

“Some
1,500 passengers take the free shuttle daily. About 80% to 90% of them
are happy but have requested for more frequent trips,” he said, adding
that the company was in talks to provide bus shuttle services in the
Bayan Lepas free industrial zones.

He also said Rapid Penang was awaiting the state’s decision on its RM20mil depot proposals for Sungai Nibong and Weld Quay.

“We
spoke to State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee
chairman Chow Kon Yeow Chow last week and he was keen on our proposal
for Sungai Nibong.

“Hopefully, we’ll receive a favourable reply for the Sungai Nibong depot by mid-May.

“The Sungai Nibong depot will have a four-storey administration building, 145 bus parking bays, workshop and hostel.

“The
Weld Quay proposal may take longer to work out because several tenants
as well as Penang Port are involved,” Azhar said, adding that the
company had requested a 30-year lease at nominal fee as it would be
used for “public service”.

As part of the company’s service
enhancement and expansion plans, he said sub-depots would be built in
Balik Pulau, Nibong Tebal, Kepala Batas, Teluk Bahang and Bayan Baru.

Azhar
urged the state government and relevant authorities to develop a public
transportation master plan that includes a traffic, landscaping as well
as housing and commercial development studies.

“With a master
plan in place, strict enforcement on illegal hawkers and double-parked
vehicles along the road, and an efficient public transportation system,
we can reduce traffic jams in the state by at least 40%,” he said.