Penang -MALAYSIA
By linking urban and suburban areas, the Penang Mutiara Route Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is viewed by locals as a helpful alternative transportation option that will reduce traffic congestion and improve urban mobility.
The state of Seberang Perai, which is home to numerous Unesco Biosphere Reserve Sites, is predicted to see an increase in tourism as a result of the LRT line, which is planned to travel from Silicon Island to Komtar and then pass to Penang Sentral.
The LRT network connects critical sites, satisfying customers’ requests with effective and easily accessible transportation hubs at each station, according to transportation consultant and expert Abi Sofian Abdul Hamid.
Support networks for ‘the last mile’ and associated issues must therefore be taken into account. Parking lots and shuttle service are included in this.”
“If we look at the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim)’s announcement, this project will also involve transit-oriented development concepts where LRT stations will be focal points for residential and job centre development,” the economist stated recently.
According to Abi Sofian, the founder of Thought Partners Group Consulting (TPG), if the Penang LRT project is carried out based on comprehensive research findings and appropriate implementation, it could contribute to green mobility by lowering vehicles and carbon emissions in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
Theoretically, he stated, the Penang LRT project can draw tourists by making it easier for them to travel between popular tourist destinations with stations situated near such attractions. One example of this is the Penang Sentral interchange station, which provides easy access to transportation.
Speaking about the federal government’s decision to formally assume control of the Penang LRT project from the state government, Abi Sofian stated that, given the involvement of Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), which has experience providing rapid transportation in the Klang Valley, it would ensure that various project management aspects are handled better.
Not only will Penang benefit commuters, but industrial tourism will also undoubtedly grow because the province is a model for the successful manufacturing of high-tech products both in Malaysia and abroad, according to Tourism and Transport Business Consultant YS Chan.
“Traveling by LRT will be a breeze, and visitors will be impressed to witness a large number of locals enjoying the facility. They won’t have to brave clogged traffic any longer.” But the position of the stations needs to be carefully considered, as does the entire (Penang) LRT route,” he added.
When asked if the ferry service would be impacted by the Penang LRT construction, ASEAN tourist master trainer Chan answered he didn’t think so because the ferry service is only an addition to the road and rail services.
According to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the LRT project will eventually assist the people who live in the “Pearl of the Orient,” as Penang is known, in several ways related to socioeconomic development.
Even though the Penang LRT project would not be able to alleviate all traffic congestion, Chow expressed confidence that the state government is attempting to help those who need assistance with serious traffic congestion difficulties.
The project is anticipated to start in September or October of this year and is scheduled to cover around 29 kilometres with 20 stations, including two interchange stations at Komtar and Penang Sentral.
The Pearl LRT line, which is expected to be operational by 2030, will also provide amenities for electric trains (ETS) and commuter trains operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB).
Following the Cabinet’s decision to approve the project’s development plan on March 22 of this year, the federal government formally assumed control of the Penang Pearl LRT Route project from the state government last week.
