The Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), in collaboration with Rapid Penang and with the support of the Penang State Government, is delighted to announce the return of the Penang Hill Free Shuttle Service.
Following a series of successful launches since 2023, PHC is thrilled to offer this service to Penang Hill visitors for the 5th time. The shuttle service will be offered during the upcoming year-end school holidays.
The main objective of this initiative is to ease traffic congestion in the surrounding areas of Penang Hill. It is also to promote green initiative by lowering carbon emissions in the state; aligning with the state’s Penang2030 Vision to create a family-focused green and smart state that inspires the nation.
The complimentary shuttle service will be available from 25 to 29 December 2024, running for five days. Operating from 9am. to 9pm., it will offer eight round trips daily at 1.5-hour intervals. The shuttle bus is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring convenience for passengers with special accessibility needs.
Passengers can easily board the shuttle service at KOMTAR’s Station 9 bus stop on Jalan Ria (underpass next to Rapid Penang kiosk) to travel to the Penang Hill Lower Station, and vice versa. For easy identification, the shuttle bus’s headsign will be clearly marked with “Penang Hill Free Shuttle”.
Additionally, the pick-up and drop-off points will feature distinct visuals to make the shuttle service easily recognisable.
The shuttle service timetable can be found on PHC’s official website and social media platforms (as attached). In the event the shuttle bus reaches full capacity, visitors are encouraged to utilise the regular Rapid Penang bus service, Route 204, which operates from Terminal Bas Weld Quay via KOMTAR to Penang Hill at the standard fare.
The service runs every 35 minutes during peak hours and every 45 minutes during off-peak hours.
The Penang Hill Free Shuttle Service has shown promising success since its inception, serving thousands of passengers during peak festive periods. In the 2023 year-end school holidays, PHC recorded over 1,600 passengers using the free shuttle service.
The consistent growth in passenger numbers highlights the increasing popularity of the free shuttle service among locals and visitors alike. The Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2024 period witnessed an impressive 53% increase in the free shuttle bus passengers compared to Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2023, demonstrating the success of PHC’s efforts in enhancing accessibility and encouraging the use of public transportation to reduce traffic congestion. Besides reducingtraffic congestion, the shuttle service seeks to enhance the overall visitor experience by reducing travel time and avoiding the hassle of navigating roads and parking.
PHC urges visitors to take full advantage of the free shuttle service during the year-end school holidays, supporting our dedication to fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendlier Penang. The consistent rise in passenger numbers reflects the public’s strong support for such initiatives, paving the way for more green and innovative transportation solutions in the future.
For more details about the Penang Hill Free Shuttle Service, please visit their official website or follow us on social media.
Source – PHC