{
  "id": 15110349,
  "title": "Penang rolls out first 15 electric buses, full fleet by March 2027",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/penang-rolls-out-first-15-electric-buses-full-fleet-by-march-2027",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T03:49:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1557350/penang-rolls-out-first-15-electric-buses-full-fleet-march-2027"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "GEORGE TOWN: Penang's inaugural 15 electric buses commenced service today, with the complete fleet of 75 anticipated to be deployed by March 2027. Transport Minister Anthony Loke unveiled the first batch of Rapid Penang electric buses, heralding a new era of greener public transport. Speaking at the launch event, Loke emphasized the environmental benefits of the electric buses, describing this as a pivotal chapter for Penang's public transportation system. The initiative aligns with Rapid's phased shift to electric buses, contributing to Penang's goal of reducing carbon emissions.\n\nAmong the 15 newly introduced buses, 14 stand 8.25 meters tall, while the remaining vehicle is 12 meters in length. The shorter buses are designed to enhance accessibility, particularly in Penang's narrow roads and densely populated areas, where larger vehicles may encounter difficulties. Their compact size enables them to maneuver more effectively in tight spaces, improving overall connectivity for commuters.\n\nThe initial phase of the rollout will see 75 electric buses introduced for Rapid Penang, as part of a larger procurement of 250 electric buses for both Rapid KL and Rapid Penang, valued at RM200 million. Of the total, 175 buses will be allocated to Rapid KL and 75 to Rapid Penang. As of October 13, Rapid Bus had received 52 electric buses under the first phase, with 37 allocated to Rapid KL and 15 to Rapid Penang. The deployment will be bolstered by charging infrastructure at depots to ensure seamless operation and maintenance of the electric buses.\n\nMinister Loke highlighted the significance of the electric buses in Penang's environmental sustainability efforts, affirming that the new fleet will bolster Rapid Penang's commitment to providing eco-friendly public transport services for residents and visitors.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Penang's first 15 electric buses began service today.",
    "Complete fleet of 75 buses to be deployed by March 2027.",
    "Buses' compact size enhances maneuverability in narrow roads."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The deployment of smaller electric vehicles optimizes public transit for Penang's narrow streets while marking a significant transition toward a low-carbon transportation network for the state.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Loke: Rapid Penang starts electric bus services with 15 vehicles, targets 75 by March 2027",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/loke-rapid-penang-starts-electric-bus-services-with-15-vehicles",
        "published": "2026-10-17T03:56:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Penang kicks off electric bus service",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/penang-kicks-off-electric-bus-service",
        "published": "2026-10-17T04:42:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Loke: Rapid KL cannot turn away foreigners, but disruptive passengers can face action",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/loke-rapid-kl-cannot-turn-away-foreigners-but-disruptive-passengers",
        "published": "2026-10-17T04:55:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}