GEORGE TOWN: Passengers on Penang's new ferry service will have to pay a fare of RM2 per journey, which will be imposed on both legs of the ride from the island to the mainland and vice versa.
This is in contrast to the RM1.20 fare imposed for pedestrians and two-wheeled vehicles under the previous service, which was only payable on the mainland side.
This means the total fare is now RM4 for a return trip, compared to RM1.20 previously.
In a statement on Wednesday (Sept 6), Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) said the new fares would come into effect on Thursday (Sept 7).
Commuters will now have to pay a RM2 fare for the journey from Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim on the mainland to Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda on the island and another RM2 for the return trip.
Travellers only paid RM1.20 on the mainland side to ride the old ferries, which have since been decommissioned.
The new fares for adults will be RM2 per trip; children below 12 years old (RM1); bicycles (RM2); and motorcycles (RM2.50).
PPSB said monthly passes would be available (for Malaysians only) who are loyal ferry passengers at a 50% discount until the end of this year and 30% thereafter from Jan 1, 2024.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan said the new rates needed to be imposed.
"The old rate of RM1.20 was outdated as the new ferries are more efficient and convenient with upgraded terminal facilities on both sides.
"We spent RM100mil on the new ferries and terminal upgrades and it's just not practical to maintain the old rates," he added.
Meanwhile, Sasedharan said 320,000 passengers took the ferry during the one-month free ride.
"This is three times the figure of 100,000 a month, which we expect to have with the new fares," he said.
