GEORGE TOWN, March 14 – Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd is implementing a fleet renewal and expansion plan to improve public transport services in Penang, including the introduction of smaller buses and additional on-demand vehicles.
Chief Operating Officer Ku Jamil Zakaria said the company is gradually replacing ageing buses, some of which are more than 12 years old, with around 70 new 8.9-metre diesel buses designed to better navigate Penang’s narrow roads.
Currently, 14 of these buses have already entered service, with the remaining units expected to be delivered by April. The move aims to enhance efficiency, improve accessibility in residential areas, and increase overall service reliability for passengers.
Speaking during the Majlis Iftar Rapid Penang Bersama Media, Ku Jamil also highlighted plans to expand the Rapid On-Demand service, which has seen strong demand among commuters. Rapid Penang currently records about 48,000 bus passengers daily and around 2,500 users for its on-demand van service.
To meet growing demand, the company plans to add more vans and recruit additional drivers while continuing preparations to introduce electric buses. A total of 150 EV buses are expected to be deployed between May this year and June next year. With 50 units allocated to Penang as part of efforts to modernise the fleet and support future LRT feeder services.
