Source: The Star

Commuters in Penang are delighted with the newly upgraded Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal (TSN), which now offers significant improvements aimed at enhancing user experience. Regular commuter Chum Soon Choi, 60, praised the new e-ticket system, saying, “The e-ticket system is more convenient for commuters compared to how we were previously harassed by ulat tiket (ticket touts).” He also noted the more user-friendly waiting areas, improved seating, and better information displays, although he suggested that installing air-conditioning would make the terminal even more comfortable.

Marketing executive Syaira Bahari, 25, from Kuala Lumpur, echoed these sentiments. “It’s spacious now. It is well-lit at night too, and has become a comfortable place for commuters to wait for buses,” she said, recommending the addition of more eateries for greater convenience.

The RM7 million upgrading project, which began in August 2021 and was completed last month, was launched by state local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Moon Lye. The building, owned by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), was developed in collaboration with terminal management company Easybook (M) Sdn Bhd, UDA Holdings Bhd, and agencies under the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry, as reported by The Star newspaper.

H’ng highlighted the terminal’s popularity, noting that approximately 1,000 people use the terminal daily, with the number tripling during festive seasons. He commended MBPP and Easybook for their successful collaboration despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic recovery phase.

Since 2021, Easybook has operated the bus terminal with management rights extending until this August. During this period, the company has been responsible for upgrading and constructing additional terminal buildings, as well as overseeing fee collection, management, operational supervision, cleanliness, and security systems.

Easybook is the largest integrated and online ticketing operator in Malaysia, managing operations at various terminals across the country and Southeast Asia. CEO and founder William Lee explained that the TSN upgrade included modern systems such as the Easybook Terminal Management System (ETM), which encompasses a Centralised Ticketing System (CTS), Terminal Operating System (TOS), and Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) modules, as implemented by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).

Originally built in 2004, the terminal’s upgrade cost increased from an initial RM6.2 million to RM7 million due to rising construction costs and additional improvements, including five-star-standard restrooms, new floor tiles, and upgraded infrastructure.

UDA Group Asset Management chief operating officer Azrudyn Rashid announced that TSN would be integrated into the light rail transit (LRT) system, currently in the early stages of development. The alignment will run from Penang Sentral on the mainland to Macallum on Penang Island, passing through key areas and extending to Silicon Island.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently announced that the Federal Government has taken over the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project, with Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) appointed as the developer and asset owner. The project procurement is divided into three main components: civil construction works for Segment 1 (Silicon Island to Komtar), civil construction for Segment 2 (Komtar to Penang Sentral), and a turnkey contract for system and carriage works.