Large crowds using the Penang ferries since the free rides started on Aug 7.
SINCE its launch on Aug 7, Penang’s new ferry service is off to a speedy start with the vessels running at full capacity carrying up to 8,000 passengers daily.
Locals and visitors are boarding the ferries non-stop each day, with lines spilling over to other areas.
Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan said three out of the four new ferries carried some 7,000 to 8,000 passengers daily.
“The overwhelming response could be due to the free rides until Sept 6. Many are probably curious and wanted to try out the new ferries.
“We expect this capacity to continue with the school holidays approaching next week,” he said, adding that the previous ferry service only saw about 3,000 passengers a day.
He expects the situation to return to normal once the free rides are over, with people travelling only when necessary.
The ferry terminal sees huge crowds waiting to board the ferries, with some passengers waiting 30 to 45 minutes for the next available ferry.
Sasedharan said there was no issue of the ferries breaking down as the capacity crowd had been taken into consideration when they were built.
“The only problem we are facing now is the cleanliness due to littering as the rubbish needs to be cleared after each trip,” he said.
The four new ferries – Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kumbar, Teluk Duyung and Teluk Kampi – costing RM18mil each have replaced the iconic old ferries.
The service operates from Raja Tun Uda terminal on the island and Sultan Abdul Halim terminal in Butterworth, from 6am to 8.30pm.
The ferries can accommodate 150 passengers and 50 two-wheelers and take about 10 minutes to cross the channel.
