6 Reasons Why I Support PTMP

Since the 80's I have worked in Bayan Lepas FTZ and battled with the traffic situation far too long. The news of the elevated highway from Pesta site to Jalan Tengah was such a welcoming news that I wouldn't mind the temporary obstruction during the construction of the highway. This elevated highway has helped Bayan Baru and its vicinity developed to what it is today.

The State is now at the pinnacle of an important decision in the future of Penang that is the Penang Transport Master Plan or PTMP covering both mainland and island. This is where I will pen my thoughts on why we need PTMP.

1. It's time Penang gets a holistically integrated transport system. With an unavoidable population growth which results in new townships emerging and increased number of cars on the roads, Penang has seen some isolated infrastructure developed like Penang 1st bridge, Penang 2nd bridge, LCE coastal expressway, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah elevated highway, Penang Sentral, Batu Kawan Industrial Park & township, etc. However, Penang lacks a public transportation that connect these emerging development areas.

2. It's time Penang gets an efficient public transport system. Penang has graduated from the days of Yellow Bus to RAPID Penang Bus however buses do get stuck in the traffic jams and therefore is not the transport of choice for commuters who has a flight to catch, meetings or appointments to attend, etc. I particularly like the proposed LRT from Komtar to Penang International Airport route. This route itself helps a lot in the efficiency of the transport system knowing that it also connect important locations like USM, SPICE, Sg Nibong Bus Terminal/Pesta and Bukit Jambul.

3. It's time the Tanjung Bungah/Batu Ferringhi area be linked to the LCE Expressway and direct connection to the South region especially FTZ and Penang International Airport. I had a few colleagues who stay in Tanjung Bungah and worked in Bayan Lepas FTZ. It's a daily commuting of 50 to 90 minutes just one way and these people do it for 10 to 20 years. With the PIL 1 which is projected to take only 15 mins, this means unproductive time can be avoided. The hotel industry will definetly love this PIL1 and the North Coast Paired Road which connects Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringhi.

4. It's time there is public transport system in Butterworth/Perai. With the completion of Penang Sentral and ongoing development of Batu Kawan, the daily traffic build up from the Plus Highway, Penang Bridge and factories in Perai is now unbearable and urgently needs the PTMP to be implemented there.

5. It's time the feeder bus services be improved. Once the proper transport structure is ready, the existing RAPID Penang buses need not ply long routes which make the trips unpredictable and not efficient. Instead with shorter route serving LRT stations, each trip will be far more accurate and efficient and obviously will encourage more people to use public transport.

6. It's time ample parking facilities are built. A good number of people will still drive but to park at LRT Stations thus ample parking space is an important point to consider. Personally I did this in KL and am very satisfied and would like Penang PTMP to be able to succeed.

To the success of PTMP and for the betterment of the future of Penang.

CS Ling
A Supporter of PTMP