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BUTTERWORTH: A sense of excitement filled the decks of Penang’s fast ferries on New Year’s Day.
Travelers arrived at dawn to catch the first ferry to the island at the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal here.
Businessman Chai Shyan Jaw, 49, was one of the first to arrive at the terminal next to Penang Sentral at 5.45 am.
“As today is my day off, I decided to start the new year by testing the new ferries.
“They are much safer and faster than the old ferries, which I took regularly in the past.
“Now I can conveniently cross to the island for a delicious breakfast and sightseeing and return immediately afterward,” said Chai, who took dozens of photos and videos during the short trip yesterday.
Retired factory operator Anthony Lionel, 62, rode his bike from his home in Seberang Jaya to the terminal for the new experience.
“It only took seven minutes to cross the channel. The ride was smooth and faster than expected, ”he said.
Arriving at Swettenham Pier, Lionel immediately boarded the return journey on the next waiting ferry.
Some of those who relied on the service were surprised that the trips were free for the first two weeks of the year.
Mohd Hashim Mohd Hussain, 60, who was heading to Komtar to seek donations, said he was happy to save on travel.
“I used to operate a nasi kandar business, but I quit after I was diagnosed with a mental illness several years ago.
“Fortunately, we have a caring society that supports me and I am grateful for the free ferry ride,” he said.
The hotel reception operator, Fuziah Abu Bakar, 48, whose shift began at 7 am, arrived early at the terminal as usual.
“In the past, I would take the first ferry at 5.40am to get to work on time.
“This morning I arrived early as usual and was told that the first ferry would leave at 6.30 am. That worried me.
“But since the commute is so fast, I think I can still get to work on time,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Penang Port Commission, Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, inspected the new ferry system and saw that the response was positive.
“From 6.30am to 10am, the speedboat ferries crossed the canal 16 times and carried about 2,000 passengers.
“This is an encouraging response on a holiday morning,” he said.
To help the elderly and disabled, Tan said there were vans waiting to transport them from the entrances to the terminals, as there was some distance to walk.
Passengers traveling between the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal and Swettenham Pier enjoyed the comfort of cushioned seats on air-conditioned decks, and those with luggage were able to store their belongings in specific corners within the ferry.
The two fast ferries, each with a maximum capacity of 200 passengers, travel at a speed of 12 to 15 knots (22kph-27kph), almost double that of the old ferries.
Each crossing is estimated to take 10 minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes during non-peak hours, with a maximum of 40 trips per day.
The waiting room at Swettenham Pier is also air conditioned and there are convenience stores available.
The last of the old ferries, Pulau Angsa and Pulau Talang-Talang, will remain temporarily in service, but only to carry two-wheelers.
Four-wheelers can no longer cross by ferry and will instead use either of the two bridges to the island.
The existing ferry terminals will be rebuilt to allow for the docking of water buses and vehicle carriers for two-wheelers.
This should take 12 to 18 months and once they are ready the last of the old ferries will also be retired.
Penang’s ferry service began in 1894, using steamboats.
The fleet had been replaced many times over the years.
This current fleet of old double-decker square ferries was commissioned between 1971 and 2004.
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