Ten reasons why the second Penang bridge is not a great idea
Controversial second bridge: The site at Batu Kawan on the mainland as it looks now
- It will add to traffic congestion on the island. Even with an additional third lane, the existing Penang Bridge is expected to become congested again in a few years. That’s the rationale given for building a new bridge. But then, what will happen to the roads on Penang Island with all that traffic coming in? Green Lane and Scotland Road are already congested with no room for further widening. Has an independent EIA and traffic study - analysing the impact on surrounding areas and roads on the mainland and the island - been carried out for this project?
- We should be moving away from private vehicle transport and turning to public transport, not spending more money on infrastructure for private cars.
- Higher global oil prices costs will burden bridge users, what more if the bridge is more than 22-24km (17km over water) long. Oil prices will rise even further in coming years while Malaysia will become a net importer of oil in a few years.
- Toll charges on the second bridge are likely to be much higher than the RM7 on the existing bridge (a rate of RM9.40 has been mentioned), bearing in mind that the proposed bridge is over twice as long as the Penang Bridge. How many regular bridge users will be able to afford the higher toll and petrol charges?
- Higher toll rates on the new bridge will lead to hikes in the existing Penang Bridge toll (from RM7.00 to RM9.40 and no more 20 per cent discount for Touch ‘n’ Go users?) and ferry fares. (If the Penang Bridge toll and ferry fare is lower, few people will want to use the new bridge.)
- That would mean the tolls for the existing Penang Bridge will continue indefinitely even though the cost of the bridge has been recovered many, many times over.
- In July 2007, the estimated cost of the second bridge was RM2.7 billion. By October/November 2007, it had crept up to RM3 billion. By January 2008, it was between RM3 billion and RM4 billion. And now, it is at about RM4.3 billion! How much will the final cost come to upon completion of the bridge? (An expert familiar with bridge building told me that the cost of materials for a new bridge, based on the estimated built area, would quite likely be less than RM1 billion. So how do we get RM4.3 billion? Can we have a breakdown of this figure?) How were the contracts awarded to a joint-venture comprising China Harbour Engineering Corp, a unit of the state-owned China Communications Construction Group (CCCG), and United Engineers Malaysia Bhd, also a state-controlled company? The lack of open tenders could lead to inflated contract estimates. Penangites could end up saddled with the cost of the bridge and higher tolls for years to come while the toll revenues go to UEM/Putrajaya. The people of Penang could well have to stump out many times the cost of the new bridge in tolls, just as they have for the existing bridge. And what is the additional cost of making the bridge resistant to major earthquakes?
- The new bridge is likely to hurt the fishing industry in the southeast of the island, where fisher folks are already complaining about drastically reduced catches as a result of land reclamation. A Bernama report on 17 January said that the start of the second Penang bridge project had been delayed as the state government wanted to resolve several matters involving fishermen as well as fish and cockle breeders who would be affected by the project. Former chief minister Koh Tsu Koon said the project could affect the livelihood of 1,500 fishermen and the breeders, who were worried the project could threaten the area’s ecosystem. Will this deplete fish stocks and lead to higher seafood prices in Penang, making it affordable only to the elite? Has a study been done on the impact of the bridge on fisheries in the state?
- The money spent on the bridge would be better spent on quality public transport, social housing (instead of creating more high-rise slums), public health care and schools.
- The projected carbon footprint, the increased traffic, and the impact on global warming of this project is likely to be enormous. How many tons of raw material including metal, concrete, cable, electricity and fuel will be consumed in the construction of the bridge?
Building new roads and bridges to cope with congestion is not a viable long-term solution. Such infrastructure will rapidly get congested again, and then we are back to square one. There is a limit to the road surface area that Penang Island can take. And how much will all this cost in the long run and how will it affect the quality of life when more and wider roads are built, eating up precious green spaces?
So what is the alternative?
If at all a third link (the ferry service and the Penang Bridge are the first two) is necessary, how about a light rail link parallel to the existing Penang Bridge? This would encourage people to use public transport to commute between the island and the mainland.
This rail link could be connected by buses/trams/light rail to industrial areas and urban centres on the island and on the mainland.
The ferry services should be expanded. Bangkok makes full use of river transport, but Penang has not tapped the full potential of sea-based public transport. More ferry terminals should be set up at different points of the island and on the mainland so that ferries can criss-cross the channel instead of being confined to the Butterworth-George Town route. Buses and trams at the ferry terminals could shuttle people to their ultimate destinations.
What do you think?
- At least RM500/mth to use the second Penang bridge
- Second Penang bridge cost soars to RM4.8 billion
- Bridge near Shanghai works out cheaper per km than second Penang bridge
- Thank God for the “mega setback” to Penang infrastructure projects
- Putting the RM2b Penang Sentral cart before the horse
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Do you reckon there’s a way to stop 2nd bridge from constructing? The contract was signed… the federal seems to be more than happy to start the project with immediate effect…
Anyway… I would say a rail transit between mainland and the island is way better…
In the first place Penang should not even have the first bridge. It should have just been left as an island. By having a bridge it is not an island anymore.
I think Penang would have been a much beautiful place with its ferry and the train running in the island with good and cheap public transport.
Now it is so conjested and so disorganised compared 30 years ago when i first went there. It was so beautiful then. My visit there recently, as i approached the island, it stinks. I pitty the houses there with the beach front. Now, they are behind some new houses on the reclaimed land. So stupid.
For once, I 100% totally agree with you! Everyone, get this message to Guan Eng & slam those Kiasu/Kiasi Penang fellow, whom are the minority by the way
Keep on a Rockin’ Neto!
Salutes…
typo error, I meant slam those Penang fellows, whom are such…
sorry
Improving public transportation on the Island is a greater priority.
There’s no need for the 2nd bridge. A light rail on 3rd lane of existing bridge is a good idea. Save the RM4 billion for other things.
I am totally agree with the light rail idea. However, why nobody has mentioned this? Is it not practical? Not not feasible for the “important parties” to gain “economic importance” from the rail project, compare to the 2nd bridge? Sigh.
The rail can actually further connect to the industrial area in Bayan Baru / Lepas. Ask the frequet user of the bridge. They will tell you during the peak hours, most of the cars are driving to these industrial area.
yes the 2nd bridge should be scrapped. right from the beginning i’m not in favour of it.
RM4.3 bil is too much! you are right anil, there should be a breakdown of this RM4.3 bil.
the first alternative you mentioned of a light rail link will be good only if public transport (eg bus, taxi) themselves are good (which is not the case now!), so i think the best alternative is to expand the ferry service. after all the ferry service is something synomous with penang - penangites love it and tourists love it too.
just use Firefly or Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia to travel to Penang. Cheaper than driving.
4 billion ringgit, you could probably build a whole new Intel plant on the mainland side of Penang. I think the bridge
benefits very few people in Malaysia. If you build a new Industrial Park on the mainland side of Penang or even Kedah or Perak, more people will benefit AND it will be much cheaper too.
The people need to know how this contract was awarded. It seems that UEM is in the picture and this is an “Umno” company.
I do agree. Pleae help scrap the 2nd bridge. Penang does not need this. The 1st bridge was more than enough. A rail link beside the 1st bridge sounds more feasible and sensible. The gomen seems so keen to go ahead with 2nd bridge, it makes one wonder how much is going into someone’s pocket. Penang definitely does not need a 2nd bridge or more cars going into the island. At the moment the island (if you can call it that) is so utterly congested and a total mess. Beautify Penang again and turn it into a tourist hubb - more usage of the ferry is a good idea and of course cleaning up the ports and terminals as it is an eyesore now.
Fully agree with your comments. Improve the public transportation within Georgetown/Butterworth with tram/LRT/underground and bus services. Link the mainland by improved ferry service or an LRT alongside the present bridge. Look at models like HK, Singapore, Melbourne and elsewhere with efficent public transportation.
hi anil, i think this is an option that should be pursued
“sea-based public transport. More ferry terminals should be set up at different points of the island and on the mainland so that ferries can criss-cross the channel instead of being confined to the Butterworth-George Town route. Buses and trams at the ferry terminals could shuttle people to their ultimate destinations.”
as an example, i refer you to the riau islands, just adjacent to singapore. the main islands of batam, bintan and karimun, for example, there are four regular ferry shuttles, all plying between three to four ferry terminals on each island, thus facilitating better transportation links for the many commuters
the other option of a rail link between georgetown and butterworth for daily commuters is another excellent idea. it is also much more economical
i agree the second bridge is not necessary. the money ought to be invested on other mode of transportation that minimises the use of vehicles
best regards
Anil, with or without the new bridge, traffic in Penang Island is always heavy… Why?? becoz too many people living and working in that Island now days…
For me personally the idea of coming out with the bridge is Good… why? As a Penang Guy, I’ve seen lots of things happening in my state.. Why I’m saying that the 2nd bridge is good…coz people can now have easier access going IN & OUT of the island… Those in the island can now stay in the Southern part of Seberang Perai where house are cheap compared to ISLAND…Stay in Juru, Jawi or even Sungai Bakap and make a living working at the Island…
There’s no such thing as FREE or to get things BETUL-BETUL murah now days…
And WINSON - sorry. I think its not fair for you to compare life 30 years ago (i was 2 years old than)in PENANG to now… You’ve been sleeping ka all this while
Number of people has increase - that includes me and my other 3 siblings & my other relatives staying in Teluk Bahang,Balik Pulau, Bayan Lepas, Jelutong and even on the mainland side of Butterworth 
Belum campur all those people from other states staying and working in PENANG… Wake-up friend (or uncle to be polite… )
Have a nice day everybody…
Ah Penang Island!
Once I stayed enjoyed my sojourn
For years I drove happily around
Then more vehicles came
Congestion becomes a daily affair
Ferry rides
I could take a short nap
Sometimes seeing the rolling ripples
Admiring cars sometimes pretty women
Now with the Penang Bridge
In the beginning it was a breeze
Driving on it
It is no more the breezy feeling
Traffic jams and bottlenecks
Penang Island loses her charm
The quiet life once I knew
It has gone for good
The 2nd bridge…….
Ah I can see
Traffic jams and cursing
The cost over-runs again
Nothing new with BN contracts
It is always cost more in the end
I agree on ferry points
Build more of these along the coasts
Tanjong Tokong, Bayan Lepas, George Town, Batu Ferrighi
In a way it will promote tourism and reduce traffic flow on the bridge
So there is no need to construct a 2nd bridge…………..
Avoiding displacing the fishermen and eco-system
In years to come
The petrol will jump
And the toll charges will increase
It will become too expensive driving on the bridge
The $4.3 billion cost runs should be used for others
Benefiting the people in the state
So Anil I left Penang
I haven’t gone back to have a look
Though I knew many things have changed
My easy breezy life there wasn’t around any more
It is only enriched in my little bank of memory
dont need to apologise for my cynicism. its simply UMNO way. no mega projects no gravy train. how did the cost balloon from 3 billion to 4.3 billion in less than a year? mind boggling isnt it? but actually its not if you look at previous cases. Case in point is Port Klang Free Trade Zone. Cost skyrocketted from RM1.1 billion to RM 4.7 billion and the taxpayers have to undertake the bailout. when this news broke out, the political benefactor from sarawak threatened to sue all and sundry but as more facts leaked out, its now all hush hush and not a squeak from him.
thas the ruling party way to milking the coffers dry. just go for mega projects. forget about effects. forget about the benefits. forget about less costly but more beneficial alternatives. just rip off the treasury and have a palace each in london, new york and australia, which is their favourite holiday destinations.
Anil,
Your suggestions not to have the 2nd bridge, but to expand on the existing ferry services and build a light rail are very sound.Yes, would agree with you that the state govt should focus on improving the public transport in Penang which is sadly in poor shape.
1. Cars enter the island and cars leave too. It’s the net flow that counts, not just the fact that cars would enter the island. The bridge is just that, a bridge. It facilitates two-way traffic. The solution really is to move more development to the mainland.
2. True, but that doesn’t change the fact that there is a pressing need now for transportation across the strait. There is also the possibility of road-based public transportation using the bridges.
3. Also true, but even so, Malaysians are still driving heavily. Market forces it seems, has determined oil to be still the most affordable transport resource.
cheers
100% agreed. no second bridge and demolish the existing bridge and improve or put more ferries to ply the channel.
small correction:
100% agreed. no second bridge and demolish the existing bridge and improve or put more ferries to ply the channel.we should revert back to 30 years ago.bring back tramway. cost of bangali loaf RM0.10 cents . bus fare from jelutong to jetty rm 0.10 cents . postage rm 0.10 cents . do away with silicon valley . reduced the population . bring back yellow bus . hin bus co. seng seng bus co. mppp bus.after all these are done there will be no traffic on the road.
I totally agree. In fact why do we need to re-invent the wheel? Singapore has done a great job managing the traffic chaos. Penang being on a smaller scale when compared with Singapore can borrow Spore’s blue-print to plot out its own plans to deal with the problem. Building bridges and more highways in the tiny island is NOT a long term solution.
Instead Penang should consider building a meshed network of mass-rail-transport system that reach out to strategic nodes in the island. And from these nodes we can have public buses & taxis to serve the people’s destination needs. One such strategic node can be located at the island’s end of the bridge where a huge multi-level car park can be provided for commuters from the mainland. Better still if another node can be set up on the other end of the bridge at BW, and the MRT links both nodes thereby reducing traffic to and fro the bridge.
Next we need to discourage traffic flowing into Gerogetown. Here again we can learn from Spore where CBD charges can be levied to eleviate the traffic chaos in the city. However to do that we need to have the MRT network up and running first.
This is a huge effort. Spore achieved it over the years with an implementation plan that has milestones that translate to different phases each with clearly defined objectives and deliverables. If Spore can do it, why can’t Penang? Now is the time to show and prove that Malaysia Boleh!
The LGE party should set up a group of expert to look into the actual requirement of the island to ensure only the best is being spend for the future of tis beautiful yet historical place. This group is not difficult to have and should look into places like hongkong singapore macau taiwan and the relevant palce to have a focus mind of what penang should be heading and not follow the previous Gov HOO and HAA decision. We want solid professional study and implementation to bring penang to “first class” development both for business and a place call home and enviroment. Common guys you can do better.
Until we have a truly intergrated public transportation like SG, I believe many will continue driving. Also, I don’t see any bus service at the place that I am working (Prai Industrial estate) anyway.
Besides, property in the island is too expensive. Having the 2nd bridge would encourage people to move to the mainland to purchase landed property.
Also working oppurtunities is shrinking in the island. Many people now have to travel to Kulim and Prai to work…
yes. why bridge? why batu kawan-batu maung? where are the most congested area? good LRT within island connecting to butterworth is more desired for the rakyat. who really did the survey before? who decided?
Anil, you are quite right. Second bridge will definitely aggravate the traffic congestions in Penang island.
I got ten simple suggestions to solve the traffic woes in Penang island.
1. Connect the mainland and the island with high speed and frequent rail services.
2. Interconnect the whole island with comprehensive mrt services.
3. Charge users of rail and mrt services RM0.50 per trip.
4. Once the above 1 and 2 are in place, then in order to make the island congestion free, charge toll rate at RM50 per trip for any bridge linking the mainland and island.
5. Ferry services only for passengers and not for vehicles.
6. Put more buses on the road, Penang state to nationalise the bus operation and charge only RM0.20 per trip.
7. Only island registered passenger cars allowed on island roads. Charge RM50 for vehicle entry permit for non-island registered passenger cars just like Singapore.
8. Learn from Singapore LTA (Land Transport Authority), if malu, then have somebody copy the blueprint of Singapore transportation system and implement quietly.
9. For those who want a little exercise and concern about the environment, why not use bicycle as mode of transport. State govt. to subsidise cost of bicycle.
10. Remove the political elements in doing all the above.
So…there you have it. Penang island shall revert to the nostalgic sixties…clean air, very much less traffic, clean roads, nice beaches, etc.
Of course it’s just a dream. I doubt Penang can achieve that. sigh…..
So people, these are the 10 reasons given by someone who put the people interest/common sense first. However, when someone pushed forward his interest/family/crony/etc… first, 2nd bridge is the answer. Beside, it is an open secret that the fastest way for politicans to make money is thru the construction, not agriculture, not mining, not education, not services.Boleh buat duit jugak, tapi ada sikit slow…
To UMNO people and their gang, ingat la sikit MATI. hidup tak lama, 70 atau 80 jalan, nanti tak bau syurga…menipu rakyat untuk kepentingan sendiri adalah satu DOSA yang amat besar dan kesalahan ni ALLAH tak boleh maaf, u kena mintak ampun dengan semua rakyat.sanggup ke mencari 23/24 juta orang di padang mashyar utk mintak maaf, saya tak maafkan kamu semua. ingatlah, itu pun kalau kau orang percaya kepada syurga dan neraka, kalau tak percaya, apa boleh buat.
Dear Anil
Agreed with all your suggestions. However everyone seems to miss the main communication problem in Penang. It is the taxi service. Buses have fixed routes. Taxis take you to the doorstep. However Penang taxis are not the roaming type. They don’t use meters. Get the new state govt to force this issue with the taxi companies, or else legislate for Penang to have an alternative taxi service.
I agree with the ideas of utilising sea-based transport as well as a light rail on the existing bridge.
My only addition to this is an idea - maybe a somewhat fantastical one - of a full train system traversing underwater from mainland to island. My recent trip to Hong Kong / Kowloon probably put that idea in my head. Anyone who’s been on the very modern and fast trains there that pass below the waters of Kowloon bay will not think I’m crazy at all and may even agree with me. The difficult geography of Kowloon bay did not stop the hongkees from building an effective transport system.
I’m actually from and living in KL, so this is just an “outsider’s” suggestion of a possible scenario. There could be a single line running from different points on the mainland maybe starting from Juru passing Butterworth then dipping under the water into Georgetown. The same line could then shoot south covering Jelutong, Gelugor, all the Industrial zones and end at Bayan Lepas airport. Another line could start at the Georgetown stop (or interchange) heading north west to Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah and Batu Feringghi. Further expansion could include a third line to Ayer Hitam. All lines I propose to be underground which is only logical for two main reasons: surface area in penang is at a premium; and the effect on one of penang’s more valuable qualities, BEAUTY, will be minimised.
On the mainland, multi-level carparks could be built around the stations to cater for people living within driving distance.
Yes, huge capital cost probably exceeding RM4.3b a few times over. But think of all the problems that would solve. No unsightly above ground infrastructure over the waters or on the island. And think of how we KLites will turn so green with envy!
At the risk of sounding naive, maybe wait for a newer cleaner government to take over so we get more bang for our buck.
Then maybe even KL will have a transport system that can actually get us moving.
I don’t understand why the 2nd bridge comes with mosque & places of attraction, don’t these all create to massive jams again?? I’m sure the costings will be cheaper if it is just solely a bridge & nothing else
Anil
Good observations about the Penang bridge. We can only hope that Malaysians and their government will soon develop a real planning culture and a maintenance culture…instead of building new things and having them ruined thanks to a few short years of neglect.
One can only wish that the government had the foresight to include rail in the design of the original Penang bridge…however unlikely it may have been. The idea of building an LRT along the bridge is good but it misses the point. Public transportation is best left to serve dense areas and should be built where people are.
But, down in Melaka they are exploring a new technology, the so-called “Aerorail” Perhaps the “Aerorail” link between GT and Prai would be an option? It may seem like a crazy idea at first but if we look at it more closely…who knows :p
A high price to pay for the wrong long bridge…
It might cost a lot to cancel the 2nd Penang Bridge contract now that UEM claims it has the plans ready.
Remember, how much was it, $300 million? compensation Samy Velu approved for Gerbang Perdana, even though work had been suspended for over a year, for that crooked bridge over troubled waters leading to halfway into the Straits of Johor.
So, what we should do is petition the government for an open international tender so we can be comfortable with the cost.What say you Netto? With the support of the new Penang Govt, DAP/PAS/PKR we should be able to get at least 1-2 million on-line support registration.
If I had my druthers, I would cancel the project. Few realise the 11th reason the project should be cancelled is the sting in the tail of the Dragon. Although China is providing a soft loan, you can bet that they will insist China equipment (and probably labour too)be used and this is where enormous profits will be generated for them.
This is how Japan used to rape M’sia and still does - wait for the Pahang Water Tunnel Project contract awards to be announced. The whole project is under Japanese Management & funded by ‘Cheap’ Japan Govt funding.
Why can’t EPF/SOCSO/PNB/Khazanah/Tabung Haji etc fund it so their members can enjoy higher returns, provided the project is economically viable.
In the last analysis, let’s first have UEM’s accounts properly audited to disclose how much donation they have (allegedly) made to BN Govt in each of the last 10 years and why shareholders have not been told of what can only be viewed as a (alleged) ‘kickback’, achieved by inflating contract costs over the years. This is why the cost per km of these toll roads & bridges in M’sia are way out of whack when compared to international norms and standards.
Very thought provoking. How I wish this was debated in public before the 2nd Bridge project was given the go ahead. Anyway since we are on a theoretical exercise, let me contribute my bits. I am from KL and have driven twice this year to Penang. The Penang Bridge is too cramped and over-used. The original planners failed to forcast the rapid growth of Penang/Prai. Hence, we either expand the existing bridge spending lesser sum by adding additional 3 lanes on each side or we go for a totally new 2nd bridge. This is to cater to ever expanding Penang and Prai/Butterworth economy. I am not worried about the 4Bn as we can afford it. I rather spend this money than see it squandered on white elephant projects (eg. PKFZ). Ten years from now, I am sure every Penangites and mainlanders will be enjoying the scenery as they drive uninterrupted across the channels.
Didn’t I read somewhere in MT that China quoted 2billion for the bridge…?? The rakyat knows mega projects equals mega profits for some individuals, and the companies concerned of course!
“We can afford it?”. I don’t think so — no way!
1. Does anyone honestly believe that by 2011 the toll for this bridge will be in the region of RM9 as hinted somewhere? I personally see it hitting the RM20 mark or more!
2. Don’t you think that the toll for the current bridge will also naturally make a quantum leap?
3. I say generations of Penangites will be bled by this bridge to pay back for “someone’s investment” and of course, “someone’s blunder or failure to stay vigilant”.
4. Can we afford to lose what little there is left of our fish stock in Batu Maung, Batu Kawan and vicinity? For sure, coastal development will wipe them all out.
Good bye Penang seafood… our children’s last remaining source of decent protein will be gone and they will have to grow up with hormone-fed cultured fish that will make them obese and hit puberty as early as toddler age… can we afford this?
Penangites have come this far… we even managed to instal a new government, one which we believe felt the people’s stife and shared the people’s spirit for change. Are we going to stand by and watch them being swept away by the BN cajoling and bullying?
A high high price to pay for the wrong long bridge… by many generations to come.
The second bridge might not be as harmful as it seems to be stated by the author.
First of all, the new bridge will eventually bring new development site in both Penang Island and Butterworth. Which means that people from the island might move to the opposite bank and buy houses there as it is cheaper. Further more, it might creates more jobs due to more development. Economically, it really benefits the state.
Secondly, the building of the new bridge is the turning point of whether the state can attract new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This is because FDI that invested in the state are more likely to set up their new plants at the mainland due to scarcity of land in the island, and they need to transport their goods to the airport which is at the island in order to export out of the country. This mostly involved the microchip technology. As we are moving the state to a more advance industry, this new bridge really means alot to attract more high tech industry to the state and the bridge can ease their transportation troubles with less congested road and smoother traffic flow.
Thirdly, there is no alternative ways to solve the need for petrol unless new technology are created to solve it, until then, it would be 5-10 years later, which is really a lot of time wasted if it is not used in developing the state. By the way, the higher fuel price not only burden the bridge users, but everyone around the world.
Fourth, it is reasonable that the new bridge should charge higher than the old Penang bridge as it is longer, but with the intervention of state government in controlling the price of old bridge, there is no reason for the hike of toll prices.
Fifth, do you really think that everyone will use the public transportation if they really improved it? Might be yes and might be no, this is due to the psychological behavioral of the people, for example, if I have a car, I can get to my destination faster than using public transportation which has to stop for every bus stop. Which really waste a lot of time (my opinion. Plus, the hot weather in Penang really discourage people to walk, poor infrastructure and not enough side walk are also a problem. Unless more precise town planning and mass transportation system are build, which usually took more than 10 years, you can’t actually change people’s thinking. The only way to keep on developing the state are still the building of a new bridge.
Sixth, we cannot compare Penang with Hong Kong and Singapore, though we are island. This is because of the social and cultural differences between us. They are adapted to their own environment of not owning a car for decades. Even my relatives in Hong Kong does not have a car and they never considered of buying 1. I also used their subway and impressed by it. Compare to Malaysian, car is a commodity, we used it everyday and eventually make it part of our lifestyle. So, in order to change Malaysian’s mindset, time is needed, but not allowed for a developing nation. 1 more point, both Hong Kong and Singapore are economically strong, their government have the money and they only need to focus on developing their island, but for Penang, we are only part of Malaysia. Therefore, the wealth have to be split to develop other states. The only way to boost Penang’s economy is to develop it to the next level.
I do agree that the bridge is way too expensive, so, the best way is to let the new state government to involve and more transparent to the people and build the second bridge. In the long term and short term, it do benefits Penang and it’s population. Let the subway be the long term plan.
Are we going to stand by and watch our new governent being swept away by the BN cajoling and bullying plus that of salesmen selling their wares of course!
Let not the spark of fire we saw in the Han Chiang rallies die out. We voted for you because we thought you feel the people’s strife and share the people’s spirit for change.
Are you going to go down in history as the government who did not do enough but allow the wrong long bridge to bleed the future generations of Penangites?
all said and done……..i prefer that the public transport be better organised for optimum use. this will cost the rakyat less in the long run.
The traffic situation in PG is just horrendous. Cause is simple: ppl drives, one person per vehicle. Imagine a company like, say, AGILENT, which has an amount of employees of about 3,000, whereby almost each of these workers drives their own vehicle to work everyday and then factor that with hundreds of companies nearby, you get a ridiculous amount of vehicles plying around in Free Trade Zone (FTZ) alone. Public transportation exist, but buses like Rapid Penang do not even ply crucial areas like FTZ routes in Bayan Lepas, the zone where traffic is one of the heaviest in the island. Bas kilang only ferry operators back and forth, and these buses tend to stop at the road side during peak hours in the evening; that also contributed to the bottleneck in the traffic, especially near AMD. Try also factor in those couples of husband and wife who stay in the same house, each drives their own vehicles to work without even thinking of the possibility of car pooling. And yes, try to also factor in those parents who also drives their kids to schools every morning at 7.00 am, that contributes to the mad morning rush.
On the mainland itself, it doesn’t look good either. Look at the highway exit leading to the entry to AUTO CITY and BUKIT MERTAJAM. It’s a ludricous long queue of cars during peak hours. On the bridge entry from mainland to island, you get to see some nice expensive cars which would have to squezze each other out in a bid to get into the dual lanes of the bridge right after the toll gates. And that’s also time where you’ll get to see the ugly side of PGites. And wondered why aren’t PG Bridge consessionaire company even want to put some effort to help clear this bottleneck, at least by assigning some staffs to help direct the traffic? Putting some plastic cones won’t help! I don’t think I have to mention about the traffic on the bridge itself.
When ppl talk about public transportation, what will actually compels ppl to actually use them, especially PG? And has anyone notice that Rapid Penang buses are mostly empty even at peak hours in the morning?! MYians or specifically PGites, have all this while so used to drive around in their own vehicle, it’s almost close to impossible that they could imagine themselves having to take public transportation as a mean to commute. Convenience and the cost of driving is the main encouragement of owning a vehicle. As long as ppl feels that cost of driving is cheap and affordable, ppl will continue to drive. ANd this cost includes the cost of parking spaces, petrol, road tax and so forth. So in the end, public transportation is really a chicken and egg scenario. Ppl would only use public transportation, if, ONE, the cost of driving own vehicle is just so unaffordable, compared to taking public transportation and SECOND, a complete and proper public transportation system itself is at least being put in place, and it MUST includes critical zones whereby traffic is heavy like FTZ. Proper public transportation means ppl won’t have to wait 45 minutes for a bus to arrive or taking another hour to reach destination. If that’s so, what’s the point of taking a public transportation? Ppl might as well rather stuck in the traffic in their own vehicle, listening to radio!
THe other day, the new state government said they’ll propose to build underground train. It’s great, but it ain’t cheap. On top of that, will there be an economic of scale to push it through, or put it this way, will there be actually enough ppl using it, so that at least the undergound operation cost is covered? You see, the problem in the end, points to the very fundamental aspect of PG: economic activities in PG itself. If PG is economically vibrant enough, PG would be able to attract more talented ppl to work here, and stay here, thus creating enough population to create economy of scale. Public transportation, in the end, is actually infrastructure being put in place to support the economic activies in a place, so that the things could be run smoothly and efficiently, without wasting too much time in traffic congestion alone! Unfortunately, PG has all this while put too much emphasis of luring retiring foreigners to the island, promoting MM2H programme, which i would say benefits none of the locals in PG. Promoting tourism? Tourism is at best seasonal, and it’s not enough to contribute to the rice bowl of PG. What PG needs now is more FDIs, especially the electronics sector (major bulk of MY’s exports is electronic goods!), which is now fading as day goes by, more jobs creation in the service sectors. Finally it goes back to bread and butter issue!
Good luck to the new state gov!
If Penang were to maintain the ferry service and the tramway it will be one of the most unique island in this region. I guess no other country has the tramway except England and some in Europe.
And fendi, i agree that it is not fair to compare Penang 30 years ago. But then, it is also not fair to allow Penang to be as it is today. Having increased number of population is not an excuse to allow that.
Agree lah.
Maybe Penang should put up a train service like PATH > Nre Jersey/New York?
Royal Mongrel @ No Hole Barred
http://rajamongrel.blogspot.com/
I am a doctor and several years ago, I treated a patient from Penang Port Commission. I asked him why the ferry service was deteriorating (as I was using it to commute to SP Hospital). He said that it was instructions from the State Govt to reduce efficiency for the ferry so that more vehicles will use the bridge - for obvious political/financial reasons.
I feel if the ferry service could improve (much cheaper than building another bridge), more vehicle will switch to using it thus negating the need for an expensive bridge; but as we all know the politics of it over-rides all senses in Malaysia. People with vested interests will push for the expensive option.
Apart from the obvious reason (corruption), I cannot understand why none of these past and present government officials can come up with a COMPREHENSIVE public-transport plan for Penang. So many better ideas than a monorail or a second bridge have been expressed–even here!
Adding the Rapid Penang bus fleet was a good start, but who is addressing the big picture in the new State government? Do you have confidence in Chow Kon Yeow, the new Traffic Management and Environment Committee Chairman for Penang? I hope the new Penang NGO Traffic and Urban Issues Workgroup can put pressure on him and other people in the right places.
Yes, I have always doubted the truth of the claim that the ferry service is running at a loss. I use the ferry often and it is always running at max. capacity even at 70 cents more expensive than the bridge. There is usually a long queue indicating perhaps that there is a market which they are not making any attempt to tap — and really, i fail to see how overheads can be so high as to kill off the profits. Perhaps, there are unseen figures that i see not?
I say, it is time they reveal to members of the public the financial records… there may be surprises yet…
I have questions here… to each and everyone of you out there how often do you use the public transport?? When is the last time?? Do you use public transport when ever you goes to work, shopping,etc?? And how many of your family members use public transport - daily??
I agree with a lot of the things said here. May I crystallise them and add some of my thoughts:
1. No need for 2nd bridge.
2. Length and location of bridge is also seem fishy. Why choose those locations and make it so long and expensive. A lot of already given the answers and they are so convincingly argued. Thank you.
3. Yes. Bring back the ferries, but improve them; better speed, better jetties, more landing points at mainland and island (of course, subject to economic viabilities). In any case, ferries cannot be the main stay. They can supplement where economics justify.
4. But, most critically, we need a network of rapid transit in the island that is also linked to a network on the side of the mainland (i.e. including Butterworth, Bt Mertajam, Prai, etc). Yes, like MTR in Hong Kong (network linking the island, knowloon and NT seamlessly).
5. The next to decide is the technology. Much debates have been said around trams, monorails, light rails, subway, etc. To deal with this, I suggest, let the facts and knowledge of technology and economics speak for themselves. Get an unbiased consultant to do a thorough study. But, as a transit expert, allow me to share some thoughts/experience:
a. Tram is low capacity. Good for heritage, adequate for the yesteryears, but absolutely inadequate for the present and future of Penang. Penang is not Europe. We are a lot more dense, made worse by years of neglect or callous attitude in town planning which will cause a lot of pain (upon the present and future generations) for undo.
b. Underground is great. But, realistically, can anyone show where the money can and will come from? So, lets talk real.
c. That leaves light rail and monorail. To the layman, they are different. But, from a technical perspective, they have similarities. Both can be at grade (i.e. at ground level), on viaduct, or dive underground. All three elements will be needed in Penang. Set it at grade where there is land. Go on viadut on most other instances (like erect the columns at road dividers), and if cannot be avoided, dive underground (likely needed at downtown). My experience and knowledge, from both economic, technical and asthetics pespective, monorail will provide a very compelling proposition for Penang. Again, I say this in full appreciationa and considerations of constraints.
d. The next question - which or whose technology? Scomi? Hitachi? Bombardier? (There are the three main suppliers, especially the latter two.) While I know all of these, I do not want to pre-judge. Let’s call an open tender, and let’s evaluate on merit. If it is on this basis, we need not rule out Scomi.
e. Having said the above, the network on the mainland side need not be entirely on monorail as long as the monorail will land on the mainland and connect to the mainland network which can be the KL Kommuter type, i.e. traditional rail. Mainland can do that because there’ll probably be less land constraints. But, be prepared to go on viaducts at some locations to minimise traffic conflict.
f. How to pay for these? The usual model in many cities is to pay with real estate appreciation at the sites of the stations. Yes, the sites will become prime locations for offices, commercial, residential, etc. Agree with many also that lots of carpark should be provided to encourage for park and ride.
6. For the love of Penang, I’ll be prepared to provide my service pro-bono, to do a concept plan covering economics and the technical feasibilities. This can then be used as the basis for the government to make an informed decision and the develop the detail specifications for the calling of open tender.
The issue is whether contractually the second bridge construction can be stopped>>the China factor makes it ultra sensitive.
Definitely,its not the most competitive pricing as it was negotiated..and there is potentially a billion and a bit savings if an open bid is adopted.No need for foreigners too as there are a few local companies with the resources for the job..UEMB is not one of those companies.
As it is…the concession period for the first bridge will be extended to cover the cost of the second bridge.Toll rates will also have to be increased.
So..what can be done?Nothing I guess..
[...] In April, we were told it would be at about RM4.3 billion! (See 10 reasons why the second Penang bridge is not a great idea.) [...]
[...] the RM4.8 billion second Penang bridge (all 24 km of it, 17km over water) sounded like a bad idea before the oil price hike, today it sounds like a terrible idea in the light of higher fuel [...]
1.At a cost of 4.8 billion and at a low interest rate of 4% (if you can that rate)the interest payment will amount to 190 million a year. What about the the principal amount? We may have to look at something like 250-300million a year in revenue for the bridge to be viable.Can we get that kind of traffic volume. I doubt the present bridge generates a profit of more than 100million a year.I for one, may not want to use the second bridge considering the longer drive and higher petrol price.
2. There are frequent jams following accidents on the present bridge esp. during peak hours. For a similar volume of traffic there is bound to be 3 times as many accidents on the second bridge considering the 20+km length, increasing the chances of accidents 3 fold! Logical? Therefore the chances of getting caught in a traffic jam on the second bridge will be increased 3 fold. Count me out.