Penang's new ferry service hits five million passengers

BUTTERWORTH: Penang’s new ferry service, introduced by Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) to replace the iconic car-carrying ferry, recorded five million passengers today, after just 17 months of operation.

This marks a historic milestone, proving that the ferry service remains a key mode of transportation for the people of Penang, as well as tourists wishing to cross from the mainland to the island and vice-versa.

PPSB chief executive officer Datuk V. Sasedharan said the achievement motivated the company to continue improving its services, including considering passenger feedback.

“The ferry is an important mode of transport for Penang, having been in the state for over 100 years.

“PPSB is proud because we have modernised the ferry service (since Aug 7, 2023), and now, this new ferry has successfully carried five million passengers, showing strong acceptance.

“We are pleased with this success and will continue to improve the services, including considering the feedback from passengers from time to time,” he said at the 5 Million Passengers Milestone event for the new Penang ferry.

It was officiated by PPSB chairman Datuk Seri Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza in Anjung Tinjau, Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim, here, today.

Sasedharan said 74 per cent of passengers using the new ferry service were pedestrians, and the rest were motorcycle and bicycle riders.

“Besides tourists, most of these passengers are daily commuters from the mainland (Seberang Prai) travelling to work on the island.”

Sasedharan said despite the high number of passengers, the ferry service still did not generate profits due to the high operating costs.

“However, we will strive with future plans to collaborate with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to synchronise the ferry schedule with the electric train service (ETS).

“This will allow passengers who disembark at KTM Butterworth and wish to cross to the island to use the ferry service, offering them savings.

“We also provide free ferry services during certain months as a promotional measure to attract more passengers to use the service,” he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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