The concept of a water taxi service connecting Penang island and the mainland under the Northern Corridor Economic Region has received the federal government's approval.
A feasibility study on the proposal for a shuttle service for passengers from 10 coastal points on both sides of the Penang channel is expected to be conducted next month and to be completed by the year-end.
"An allocation of RM50 million under the Ninth Malaysia Plan has been earmarked for commissioning technical studies, funding fundamental infrastructure and possibly finance boats for the water taxi service," Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) senior vice-president (manufacturing industry division) Chris Tan told reporters in Penang yesterday.
A consultant will be appointed soon to carry out a detailed study on the proposed project.
Chris added that the project was likely to be implemented as a private finance initiative.
"We are targeting for at least two or three routes to be operational by the end of 2010," he said.
Among other things, the feasibility study will look into operational details of the water taxi system, pricing mechanism for fares, size of the vessels to be used and how these can be integrated into a holistic transportation system for Penang.
On Penang island, the proposed jetty points include Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, George Town, Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung and Pulau Jerejak.
On the mainland, locations such as Bagan Ajam, Butterworth, Pulau Aman and Nibong Tebal have been identified as potential landing points.
Wow, Penang to have water taxi services? How fun....I bet it won't be cheap for a ride :P
2 comments:
oh .. tis is cool! I bet this for sure can boost the tourism, can be one of the attraction for Penang as well
Yup, a nice one...hopefully can boost up Penang's image as well :)
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