GEORGE TOWN: Penang's first 15 electric buses will begin operations today, with the full fleet of 75 expected to be deployed by March next year.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the first batch of Rapid Penang electric buses marked a step towards greener public transport, with the remaining vehicles to be delivered in stages until March 2027.
"This is a new chapter for Penang's public transport system with the introduction of electric buses, which are more environmentally friendly," he said at the launch ceremony.
Loke said the initiative was part of Rapid's gradual transition to electric buses and would support Penang's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Of the 15 buses launched, 14 measure 8.25 metres while the remaining bus is 12 metres long.
He said the shorter buses would improve accessibility, particularly on the island, where narrower roads and densely populated areas could pose challenges for larger vehicles.
Their compact size would allow them to navigate tighter roads and busier areas more easily, improving connectivity for commuters.
The first phase will see 75 electric buses deployed for Rapid Penang, as part of a wider procurement of 250 electric buses for Rapid KL and Rapid Penang worth RM200 million.
Of the total, 175 buses are allocated to Rapid KL and 75 to Rapid Penang.
As of Oct 13, Rapid Bus had received 52 electric buses under the first phase, including 37 for Rapid KL and 15 for Rapid Penang.
The deployment will be supported by charging infrastructure at depots to ensure the buses can be operated and maintained efficiently.
Loke said the introduction of electric buses was a positive development for Penang, as the state continued to pursue its environmental sustainability goals.
"The new fleet is also expected to strengthen the role of Rapid Penang in providing more environmentally friendly public transport services for residents and visitors," he added.
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