GEORGE TOWN, January 13 — Rapid Bus plans to procure 1,600 electric buses nationwide between 2026 and 2031, with Penang set to benefit from a major fleet upgrade as part of the government’s push for cleaner and more efficient public transport, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said yesterday.
Under the first phase, 250 electric buses will be delivered in stages from March 2026 to March 2027, including 75 units for Rapid Penang that are expected to begin operations from May 2026. Loke said Rapid Penang currently operates 310 buses, most of which have been in service for over a decade and require phased replacement.
As an interim step, 70 new diesel buses — the final batch before a full transition to electric vehicles — are being introduced. With 10 already in operation and the remaining 60 due to arrive next month. He added that Rapid Penang is targeted to receive up to 240 electric buses through two procurement phases by 2027.
The minister said the shift to electric buses aligns with national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and modernise public transport, although EV buses are more costly, with estimated prices ranging from RM1.2 million to RM1.5 million per unit.
To support operations, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad is developing EV charging infrastructure at Rapid Penang depots, while the federal government has also allocated RM1.5 million for bus stop upgrades in Penang. Meanwhile, Loke said the Rapid On-Demand van service has received encouraging response, with 50 vans currently operating across the state.
Prasarana is now considering the addition of 170 more on-demand vans, including electric units. Starting in the second half of the year to expand coverage, increase capacity and offer more flexible transport options for Penang commuters.
