Rapid Mobiliti - The Preferred Choice For PwDs In Penang

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Rapid Mobiliti service by Rapid Bus has become the preferred choice for persons with disabilities (PwDs), especially wheelchair users, as it is not only comfortable and accessible but also specifically designed to meet their needs.

For Shamshad Begham Othman, 67,  paralysed since the age of three due to polio, Rapid Mobiliti is an essential part of her daily life.

She said the service enables her to travel independently to various locations without having to rely on others.

Shamshad, a former English lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Terengganu who now lives in Sungai Gelugor, began using Rapid Mobiliti in 2017, mainly to travel to Penang Hospital (HPP) for uterine cancer treatment.

Although her treatment has since ended, she continues to use the service for physiotherapy sessions, daily errands, and social activities with friends.

“I like using Rapid Mobiliti because it is very comfortable, and the van is equipped with facilities to lift my wheelchair into the vehicle. It allows me to sit in my battery-powered wheelchair and move freely without assistance.

“Compared to using a regular car, where the wheelchair has to be folded and placed in the boot, this service gives me more independence,” she told Bernama.

She also recalled a memorable experience when she had to undergo cataract surgery at 7 am.

“Although Rapid Mobiliti normally begins operations at 8 am, Rapid Penang staff arranged for a van to pick me up as early as 6.30 am.

“I was very touched by their willingness to help. It shows their dedication to the needs of passengers,” she said.

Shamshad Begham also praised the Rapid Mobiliti drivers for being caring and professional. She noted that they are not only punctual but also attentive, often ensuring passengers enter premises safely, which fosters a friendly bond between them and the users.

She added that the fare, RM7 for a one-way trip, is very affordable, especially for PwDs who need to travel frequently to hospitals or treatment facilities.

Rapid Mobiliti is an exclusive door-to-door transport service that began operations in Kuala Lumpur in 2011 and was introduced in Penang in 2016.

In Penang, the service operates daily from 8 am to 9.30 pm, with bookings available via 04-2381214.

-- BERNAMA