[ad_1]
GEORGE TOWN: The new fast ferries that replace the old Penang ferries live up to their names: they are fast and take about seven minutes to cross the canal, compared to a 20-minute journey on the older ferries.
But there are some drawbacks. The seats are narrow and closed, with little room for social distancing. It can be claustrophobic and if you are prone to dizziness, it may not be your cup of tea.
In a preview for reporters and an entourage from the Penang Port Commission, 105 people boarded the ship “Kenangan-2” at Swettenham Pier for a round trip to Butterworth and back this morning.
The fully pedestrianized boats have a capacity for 200 people, similar to the old ferries, although they could accommodate another 30 cars and about a hundred motorcycles as well.
The two fast ferries will be in service from January 1 and will be free for two weeks, after which, a charge of RM1.20 per adult and 60 sen for children will apply.
Riau-built ferries, provided by Langkawi Ferry Service, will operate at 20-minute intervals during peak hours and at 30-minute intervals during non-peak hours. An additional fast ferry is on hold. All ferries have been endorsed by the Department of the Navy.
The chief executive of the ferry operator Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Sasedharan Vasudevan, said the service only caters for the 1.3 million pedestrians who used the older ferry and who were mostly workers.
“We want to move people, not cars. On these fast ferries, you are in the comfort of air conditioning and protected from the elements. The most important thing is to be on time, ”he said.
On old ferries, heavy rain and winds could leave passengers wet. However, on a non-rainy day it was a laid back, laid back ride.
Sasedharan said there will be 40 round trips a day for the fast ferries from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm daily from Swettenham Pier, George Town, daily and from Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim, Butterworth.
The fast ferries will be in service until June 2022 before giving way to three new “water buses” and two motorcycle vehicle carriers. Motorcyclists, cyclists and tricycles will have to use the only ferry Pulau Angsa until the lighters arrive in July 2022.
On the Butterworth side, those alighting from the fast ferries will be greeted by the “Singa Besar 9” pontoon, which is lined up parallel to the ramp of the old ferry terminal.
Upon descending, passengers are directed to a staircase that leads to a bridge that connects to Penang Central, where they can take a bus, taxi, or electronic transport to their destination.
Attendees will be on standby to help people with disabilities board the fast ferries, and people in wheelchairs will be transported to the boats for now.
