Plans to reduce private car usage in Penang can only be considered once the state’s first light rail transit (LRT) line is completed, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. According to FMT, Chow emphasised that the LRT would serve as a critical starting point for a comprehensive public transport system in the state, eventually leading to decreased reliance on private vehicles.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same applies to public transport. The LRT is the beginning. Without the first line, we cannot build the connections needed for a more comprehensive rail system,” Chow said. He acknowledged that while discussions about limiting car use are necessary, they remain theoretical until the LRT is operational.
A Long-Awaited Project
The Penang LRT project has been in the works since the early 2000s but has faced numerous delays due to a lack of federal funding, changes in state government, and slow approvals from relevant agencies. Initially estimated to cost RM2 billion, the project stagnated for years.
However, the project has gained new momentum with the involvement of the federal agency MRT Corp, which will spearhead the development of the LRT. Groundbreaking for the project, officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is scheduled to take place this Saturday.
A Vision for Efficient Transportation
Chow expressed optimism that the LRT would significantly alleviate Penang’s notorious traffic congestion and pave the way for a more efficient public transport network. Drawing a comparison to the Klang Valley’s LRT system, which started with a single line over 30 years ago and has since expanded into an extensive rail network, Chow underscored the importance of taking the first step.
“For Penang, the LRT is an important start. It will be the backbone of a public transport system that saves time, reduces traffic, and supports the state as it develops,” he said.
Future of Mobility in Penang
The chief minister reiterated that achieving meaningful reductions in private car usage would require a reliable and efficient public transportation alternative. With the LRT serving as the foundation, the state aims to expand the rail system in the future, encouraging residents to embrace public transport as a viable alternative to driving.
For now, Penangites will need to wait for the completion of the first LRT line before significant changes to the state’s transport policies, including possible limitations on private car use, can be implemented.
