The Star – May 19, 2007: Cheaper bus fares with new service Charges will be based on destination

North
Saturday May 19, 2007

Cheaper bus fares with new service Charges will be based on destination
By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM

PENANG: It should be relatively cheaper to ride on RapidPenang buses that will be plying the streets and byways in the state from August.

State executive councillor Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said RapidPenang would impose charges based on destination, not distance travelled.

“The existing bus operators impose charges based on every kilometre travelled.

“We hope that RapidPenang’s bus fares would not be more than the fare calculated based on the distance travelled,” he said after opening the artificial limb presentation ceremony at the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society here yesterday.

Teng said RapidPenang would duly announce the quantum of the fare to be imposed.

“The fare will definitely be on point-to-point basis, not based on per kilometre calculation,” he added.

Dr Teng said RapidPenang would service all the rural areas in Balik Pulau, Batu Maung, Gertak Sanggul, Kampung Sungai Pinang and Pantai Aceh.

“Even if the headcount is very low, RapidPenang will still service the routes,” he said.

He said the RapidPenang bus depot would be temporarily based at the Sungai Nibong Pesta site.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop had said that the company had proposed a fare structure of RM1 for the first 7km, and that the fare for journey beyond 7km would be charged according to routes plied.

It has been reported that commuters could enjoy free rides for two days when RapidPenang commences operations on Aug 1.

RapidPenang, a subsidiary of Rangkaian Pengangkutan Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL), is owned by the Ministry of Finance.

Author: Peter Tan

Peter Gabriel Tan. Penangite residing in the Klang Valley. Blissfully married to Wuan. A LaSallian through and through. Slave to three cats. Wheelchair user since 1984. End-stage renal disease since 2017. Principal Facilitator at Peter Tan Training specialising in Disability Equality Training. Former columnist of Breaking Barriers with The Borneo Post. This blog chronicles my life, thoughts and opinions. Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook.

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