Media statement by Joshua Woo Sze Zeng (State Assemblyman for Pulau Tikus, Penang), dated 6 October 2025
Ten years ago, Penang launched the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). It proposed over 10 major components: LRT (Light Rail Transit), BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), two monorails, cross-strait cable car, water taxi, tram, Pan Island Link highway, three bypasses, and more.
It’s a 50-year plan. So far, two projects worth RM17 billion are under construction: the Package 2 bypass linking Farlim to Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway, and the Mutiara LRT line.
Next year, a third project will begin, the North Coast Paired Road from Tanjung Tokong to Teluk Bahang.
PTMP is a long-term plan. But what about the short-term solution? Opposition and anti-development NGOs say nothing has been done. The facts say otherwise. There are five initiatives launched in the past five years to cut congestion.
Five key short-term measures
First, free cross-strait bus services under CAT Bridge. There are four strategic routes. CT13 bus from Seberang Jaya (The Blanket Hotel) to Queensbay and Bayan Baru.
C13A and C13C buses between Seberang Jaya and the Free Industrial Zone. CT14 bus from Summit Bukit Mertajam to KOMTAR.
All rides are free, fully funded by the Penang Government. Together, 15 buses run daily, keeping hundreds of cars off the Penang Bridge and major roads every day.
To plan your journey, download the MyRapid Pulse app. You’ll get real-time routes and nearby stops, not only for CAT Bridge buses but for all Rapid Penang buses.
Second, catamaran services between mainland and island. Since August 2023, the catamarans carry up to 8,000 passengers daily, keeping thousands of motorcycles off the roads. In two years, over five million rides have been logged.
Third, Rapid Penang on-demand vans. Launched in 2024 with just two vans, now expanded to 50 vans across 13 congested zones (such as Tanjung Bungah, Gurney, George Town, Farlim, Jelutong, Bayan Lepas, Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, Batu Kawan, and Nibong Tebal).
Operating daily from 6am to 11pm, the service now averages 2,500 passengers each day. This means, freeing up thousands of vehicles from the roads in these 13 hotspots. From January to July this year alone, it has already carried about 500,000 rides. If you haven’t tried, just download the Kummute app and start riding.
Fourth, Pas Mutiara free rides. Since 2021, in five years, Penang spent nearly RM30 million subsidising Rapid Penang bus and van rides. Users grew from 60,000 to over 200,000 (2021-2024).
Where to get Pas Mutiara? At any of the 8 Rapid Penang counters: Rapid Penang office at Lorong Kulit, Weld Quay Terminal, KOMTAR Terminal, Bukit Jambul Hub, Penang Sentral, Summit Bukit Mertajam, Kompleks Dato Kailan Kepala Batas, and Bus Terminal Balik Pulau.
Fifth, the Bridge Express Shuttle Service (BEST). A park-and-ride service designed to reduce vehicle use by workers heading to KOMTAR. Seven buses now carry about 300 workers daily from Butterworth and Seberang Jaya. That means hundreds of vehicles taken off the roads every day.
While mega projects like the LRT are underway, Penang is already acting. Free cross-strait buses, catamarans, on-demand vans, Pas Mutiara, and park-and-ride shuttles. Together, these measures keep thousands of vehicles off the Penang Bridge and major roads every single day.
Why congestion persists?
So, why are traffic jams still bad? Because three things keep rising in Penang: population, income, and vehicles.
In just two years, residents grew by 60,000, from 1.74 million in 2022 to 1.8 million in 2024. In the same period, average monthly household income jumped 8%, from RM8,500 to RM9,200
And with more income, cars and motorcycles are more affordable. That’s why, vehicle registrations in Penang rose by 20,000, from 2.65 million to 2.67 million in the same two years.
More people, more income, more vehicles create more congestion.
Many complain about traffic jams. But how many people, even though can afford cars, choose to use public transport?
The road ahead
In just two years, there are more people with more income buying vehicle. That’s why PTMP must move both ways: improve public transport and build new roads, together.
For that reason, PTMP is currently building LRT and a bypass, and the upcoming North Coast Paired Road. Besides PTMP, the Juru elevated highway in Seberang Perai is also set to begin by year end.
All thriving cities face congestion. The difference is whether there’s a plan. Penang has one. PTMP for the long-term. Buses, catamarans, vans, Pas Mutiara, and park and ride shuttles for the short-term. Not perfect, but progress for Penang.