Rapid Penang On-demand Enhances Public Mobility For First And Last- Mile

GEORGE TOWN, May 21 (Bernama) -- Rapid Penang On-Demand (ROD) is increasingly seen playing an important role in strengthening the public transport system in Penang by providing more flexible services, especially for users in residential areas that are far from the main bus routes.

Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd Northern Region head Mohd Amir Abd Halim said the alternative service to the conventional bus system, which operates according to fixed routes and schedules, was also well received when the four main zones recorded the highest average daily passenger numbers throughout March and April this year.

Based on current records, he said the George Town zone recorded the highest average daily passenger number, which was 277 passengers in March and increased to 320 passengers in April.

"The Gurney Zone recorded 266 daily passengers in March and 268 passengers in April, followed by the Sunway Zone with 242 passengers in March and 258 passengers in April.

"The Farlim Zone, which is among the early benchmark areas, also showed positive demand when recording an average of 193 daily passengers in March and 185 passengers in April," he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama here, recently.

ROD is a flexible and efficient service with an on-demand concept using vans as a mode of transport.

Commenting further, Mohd Amir said the trend showed that more and more users are becoming confident and making ROD part of their daily transport options, especially to complete the first mile and last mile journey to the existing Rapid Penang bus network.

He also said ROD uses a real-time booking system through the Rapid On-Demand application which allows van movements to be dynamically arranged according to user requests, stop locations, service zones and traffic conditions current.

“This service helps to bridge the gap in public transport access, especially for users living in residential areas that are far from the main bus route," he said.

In addition, he said the service also has the potential to reduce dependence on private vehicles, thus reducing traffic congestion and parking shortage issues, especially in the city centre.

According to him, Rapid Penang is currently focusing on efforts to improve the performance of each service zone, including adding pick-up and drop-off locations and providing interchange stops between zones to facilitate user travel connections.

Mohd Amir explained that his party is also implementing a combination of several ROD zones to allow users to enjoy direct travel without having to change service zones, including the Farlim to Paya Terubong, Bayan Baru to Bayan Lepas and Bukit Mertajam to Alma zones

He said Rapid Penang is also improving the algorithm and logic of the ROD application to avoid van diversions that are too far from the booking location and ensure that the 15-minute waiting period can be met consistently

In the long-term plan, he announced that 170 electric vans will be introduced in stages starting at the end of 2027 to support the expansion of service zones while improving the efficiency of the van fleet.

Commenting on the challenges of implementing the ROD, Mohd Amir said among the main issues is the level of public awareness and the use of digital applications, especially among the elderly.

"To overcome this, Rapid Penang is actively implementing an information campaign with the local community, colleges and universities, shopping centres, as well as ensuring that clear information is conveyed," he said.

-- BERNAMA