No Car Day on 25th March 2009

Hmm...I must say this is a very brave effort by the state government to organize such activity. From time to time since many years ago, there has been many party being held responsible for reducing the traffic problems in Penang but to no avail. The number of vehicles in the island is getting more and more serious, and we can see that almost everyday Penang Bridge is having bumper to bumper traffic. Hopefully the 3rd lane of the extension exercise will complete faster to help ease the traffic a bit. 2nd bridge link? It's a GO plan but it will not be ready in a few more years. Till then, we have to make do with what we have a joint hand for such activities. So let's work together and try to make 25th March a no car day, or at least a less car day ;)

Press release by the state tourism board:

THE public have been urged to either cycle, car pool or take a bus to work during the No Car Day campaign in Penang on March 25. State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law pledged to participate in the event.

By participating in the No Car Day, it is one step to create awareness on global warming and of the dire consequences on mother earth that follows. It is one way to show that everyone can make a difference!

The organizer for WWF Earth Hour Penang has planned several events which would lead up to 28th March with a message on environmental sustainability to ensure that we can continue to save resources for Penang. These events, such as the Essay Writing Competition, distribution of butterfly food plant, a colouring competition for children, a No Car Day and event a Green Concert are educational events which involve the participation of the community, NGOs, businesses and even the government.

Being one of the leading states in tourism in the country, it is important that we take care of our state and educate everyone on the importance of environmental sustainability.

This will also ensure that Penang remains attractive and continue to attract more visitors. Furthermore, through our participation we help ensure that places of interests, especially in eco-tourism our beaches, Penang Hill, Penang National Park at Teluk Bahang, Taman Botanic, Pulau Jerejak and Pulau Aman and many other places would be well preserved not only for now but also for the future!

Some general info regarding the Rapid Penang's free CAT bus services:

MPPP Rapid Penang CAT is a free shuttle bus service that ply the streets of George Town. It was launched on Friday, 23 January, 2009. CAT, which stands for Central Area Transit, is an initiative of the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) and Rapid Penang. It covers a route from Weld Quay to Penang Road and back. Along the way, it makes 19 stops at strategic points of interest. The service runs from 6:00 am in the morning until 12:00 am midnight. Apart from the route around Komtar, the shuttle service ply roads within the core and buffer zones of the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.

Rapid Penang has prepared three air-conditioned buses which were specially painted with the CAT livery for easy recognition. In front of the bus as a "Hop On Free" sign. On the sides are the words "City Hop On" and "Central Area Transit". The 19 bus stops along the route have also been properly signaged. The bus stops are numbered to help visitors identify their location vis-a-vis the tourist attractions of the vicinity.