Penang’s bus lanes praised, but some businesses complain about rules being flouted

GEORGE TOWN: A project to trial bus lanes on several major roads aimed at reducing travel times and improving public transport services has received mixed reactions from stakeholders.

Some businesses have praised the initiative, while others say its disadvantages outweigh its benefits.

Lim Eng Teik, 60, an eatery owner at Chorasta Market facing Penang Road, said the bus lane had improved accessibility and safety for passengers using public transport.

“Buses can enter and stop directly at bus stops, allowing passengers to board and alight safely.

“Without a dedicated lane, other vehicles often park on the side of the road and completely block the space.

“This forces buses to skip stops, creating inconvenience for passengers.

“Previously, passengers sometimes had to go to Komtar to catch the bus because it could not stop here,” he said on Thursday (Nov 21).

However, Lim also noted that there are not enough parking spaces near the market complex, which discourages tourists.

“Many of my customers are tourists who park to make quick purchases.

“Now even taxi drivers don’t have room to pick up or drop off passengers in bus lanes,” he said.

He also noted that traffic congestion has increased in recent years.

“While bus lanes are generally a good idea, they can exacerbate congestion during peak periods such as holidays.

“There has to be a better way to improve the system without hurting businesses or adding to traffic congestion,” he said.

The bus lane initiative, a collaboration between Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Penang), aims to improve public transport efficiency and reduce travel times during peak hours.

It is being implemented from the Jalan Ria/Jalan Dr. Lim Chwee Leong intersection to the Jalan Ria/Jalan Magazine intersection, which is about 200 meters; from Jalan Penang/Jalan Journal/Jalan Datuk Keramat junction to Jalan Penang/Jalan Burma junction (100m); and from Jalan Penang/Lebuh Chulia to Jalan Penang/Jalan Dr. Lim Chwee Leong (200m).

The trial run will be carried out for six months every day from November 19 to May 19, 2025, including public holidays.

During this period, only public buses, tourist buses, taxis and emergency vehicles are allowed to use the bus lanes from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On the other side of Jalan Penang, coffee shop owner Cheow Sow Lay, 57, said the bus lane litigation had affected her business and authorities had not consulted her in advance.

“Many of my customers make quick stops for takeout or delivery drivers picking up orders.

“Because of the bus lane, they can’t park or stop near my store,” she said.

Cheow questioned the effectiveness of the dedicated bus lane.

“It’s such a short section, how much time does it really save the buses?

“Four lanes were already congested during peak hours and… reducing them to three for motorists only makes the situation worse.

“When there are no buses running in the lane, it feels like space is wasted,” she said.

Checks found many motorists were confused by a bottleneck at the start of bus lanes.

Traffic police can be seen diverting vehicles and allowing buses and taxis to enter the traffic lane, leading to more congestion.

MBPP councilor Lee Seng Hwai, who held a meeting with affected shopkeepers in Jalan Penang, said the council would make adjustments.

“Many business owners have complained that customers can’t park and commuters calling by email don’t have a place to pick up their orders.

“We have listened to their feedback and will make the necessary adjustments.

“Bus lanes should not be an inconvenience, but should improve future traffic flow and encourage people to use public transport.

Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Muhammad Yazurin Sallige said the project has improved bus service and safety.

“The buses have fewer disruptions, which helps reduce travel times.

“Dedicated lanes create a safer pick-up and drop-off environment for passengers, especially at the busy Chorasta Market bus stand, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

“With the support of local authorities, the movement of buses and other vehicles on these lanes has become smoother, further improving their efficiency.

“We are optimistic that as more people adapt to bus lanes, we will continue to see improvements in travel times, service efficiency and passenger safety,” he said.