Rapid Penang begins two-day electric bus trial ahead of rollout
GEORGE TOWN: Rapid Penang has begun a two-day trial of electric buses as part of preparations to introduce low-carbon public transport in the state.
Rapid Penang has commenced a two-day trial of electric buses as part of its plan to introduce low-carbon public transport in the state. The trial involves two electric buses, a 12-metre Foton bus and an 8.25-metre Golden Dragon bus, which will be tested on selected routes to evaluate their suitability. The evaluation will focus on various aspects such as route compatibility, traffic performance, energy consumption, charging efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort.
Syahrul Azmir Ahmad Zaki, CEO of Rapid Penang, emphasized that the trial is a crucial step towards launching Penang's first electric buses and will provide valuable data and experience for the operations team. The operator is also establishing essential support infrastructure, including charging and maintenance facilities, staff training, and operational frameworks.
Electric buses will be introduced in stages following the trial, with Rapid Penang currently in the first phase of procuring 75 electric buses, with deliveries scheduled through March 2027. The initiative aligns with several national policies and plans aimed at promoting sustainable urban mobility and making Penang the greenest state in Malaysia by 2030.
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