Nothing has changed with the passing of the unanimous motion on land reclamation by the Penang state assembly on 20 May 2016.
Hawaii’s elevated rail hit by huge cost overruns, delays – and Penang wants elevated LRT?
From an initial estimate of US$4.6bn to the current estimate of US$6.7bn (RM27.3bn) and counting – a huge cost overrun for Hawaii’s 20-mile (32.2km) elevated rail system.
The RM27.3bn price tag works out to a staggering RM847m/km and, when completed, it could be the most expensive transit system on a per capita basis in US history. And the Penang government wants an elevated LRT system.
Road to folly: Will building more roads solve traffic congestion?
MBPP councillor Dr Lim Mah Hui has written the following comment piece:
Are Penang transport masterplan’s projected ridership figures realistic?
The Penang transport masterplan, put out by SRS Consortium, has come up with projected ridership figures for the expensive elevated LRT from Komtar to Penang Airport. What is crucial is whether these ridership figures are realistic or inflated – for that will determine whether or to what extent the people of Penang will be saddled with operational losses.
Despite Azmin’s call, PKR reps slam Penang’s mega transport plans
PKR deputy president’s reported warning to PKR reps to toe the line appears to be going unheeded. This is as it should be. Elected reps have a DUTY to raise the people’s concerns especially in the state assembly – more so, given the over-the-top transport plans put out by the state.
Mumbai monorail first phase seen as ‘failure’ – so why monorail for Penang?
Why are the Penang government and SRS Consortium adamant about monorail when phase 1 of the Mumbai monorail has encountered all sorts of problems.
The Asian Age reports:
The Congress-NCP government had scrapped plans to have a monorail in the MMR [Mumbai Metropolitan Region], citing that the studies conducted in 2014 showed the corridor was not likely to be viable and would have low ridership. It had also taken into consideration the failure of the phase-1 monorail constructed between Wadala and Chembur. [emphasis mine]
Make public the consultants’ report on the Penang transport masterplan
The public is not being given the full picture at the various top-down ‘public consultations’ held. Among other things, they are not told that modern trams can carry as many people as monorails and elevated LRT at much lower cost. And have they been told why Halcrow’s recommendations for bus rapid transit and trams are not being followed?
London’s new Mayor Sadiq Khan takes the bus to work
A fine example to set on his first day in office. The son of a bus driver, Sadiq Khan is seen here using the bus and the underground to get to work, something other leaders should emulate to encourage others to do like likewise.
Kensington Gardens… in Penang? What next?
More clearing of our hill-side land for luxury property development – while we are experiencing a prolonged dry spell.
Namewee’s moving Mother’s Day tribute goes viral
The angry young man comes good and shows his softer side. Namewee, along with his mother, has outdone himself with this lovely Mother’s Day tribute. Over 800,000 people have already viewed it.