Upcoming Bayan Lepas LRT line will now stretch from airport to Tanjung Bungah
Penang’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is set to undergo significant changes as Phase 1 of the plan, originally intended to connect Penang International Airport (PIA) to Komtar, will now be extended all the way to Tanjung Bungah. The decision to expand the route was made by MRT Corp after reviewing the project’s proposal, covering a distance of 29 kilometers and encompassing 27 stations.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke made the announcement during a press conference held at Sia Boey Urban Archeological Park, stating, “Initially, the first phase was to be from PIA in Bayan Lepas to Komtar in George Town. Komtar will be a main station in the city located next to Sia Boey Urban Archeological Park.”
Discussions are still underway with the state government regarding the location of the LRT depot, and it has been mutually decided that the chosen location will be on an existing site in Penang Island rather than on the reclaimed Silicon Island. Loke emphasized that the decision regarding the depot’s location is crucial for finalizing the project’s cost and alignment.
If all necessary approvals are granted by the Finance Ministry and the project progresses smoothly, it is expected to commence later this year and be completed within a five-year timeframe. The estimated cost for the project is RM4.5 billion, and it is a crucial part of Penang’s ambitious Transport Master Plan (PTMP), which involves several multi-billion-ringgit initiatives.
The recent announcement by the Federal Government regarding the allocation of funds to expedite the Penang LRT project signifies the importance of enhancing the transportation infrastructure in the region. With the extension of the LRT route, residents and visitors will benefit from improved connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced accessibility to key areas within Penang.
Study 10+ years, finally realize didn’t cover northern region of Penang island, but then most people in that region can drive nice cars. Probably end up foreign workers using LRT to project constructions
@jack
I agree with you ! Nowadays, even buses are practically used more by “wai lao” !
At the next GE, change government, project scrapped. state government will use this as an excuse . if you want the project continued, then vote for us. so on and so forth. By the time this project is finished, it’ll be the year 3030. good luck.
can’t deny that this has been all talk but no action in the last 20 years. However, due to the coincidental dynamics of things (political & economics), I believe it will get approved very fast, to the point that even there’s a change in federal gov, it will be too late for federal to pullout. Just like the second Penang bridge, change gov, but too late to reverse. Penang is lucky this round, and silicon island and LRT will be the impetus for penang transformation to the next level.
@jack
In KL, i use public transport with the forein workers. And tourists.You should see the verbal abuse they get from bus drivers especially those of darker complexion, even if they are tourists when boarding free GO KL buses.
No hassle looking for parking. And no more problem with drink driving laws.
I have not seen the route of penang lrt but it seems its not connected to the ferry terminal. How will commuter from Prai access to the lrt?
Fantastic! Many Penangites like me want LRT! It’s loooong overdue.
Finally Penang have LRT after Selangor KL get so many
Just take a look who is majority of our rapidbus customer then you know la this LRT actually helping Penang traffic or not.
The truth of Penang traffic jam is not because of public transport, is because everyone nearby even Gurun and Kulim or Jawi just flood in to industry zone everyday.
Take a look everyday 6.30pm google map traffic then you know already where is the problem.
Unless you tell me the LRT can cross penang bridge la, maybe future phase but why? Why first phase must connect Georgetown first? You know where actually most jam during peak hours?
So in my opinion, LRT is a must ofcoz, for long term, but the strategy just so stupid, always study base on Georgetown as center and worry this worry that heritage issue.
Meanwhile why not you start from developing Prai until Bukit Minyak area first? Big empty land and cheaper to start.
My prediction:
First phase LRT totally useless for Bayan Lepas Zone worker -> mostly foreign worker use -> soon sooner people stereotype already rather not using even the LRT expand till phase 2 phase 3 covering until Langkawi.