A PENANG government backbencher today suggested that local residents using the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, or Second Penang Bridge, be given a toll discount similar to the one extended to the first bridge.
Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun) proposed that the discount be fixed at 20%.
Currently, cars are charged RM8.50 for using the second bridge from Batu Kawan to Penang island, while those that use the first bridge in Prai pay RM7.
However, Penang residents or those working in Penang enjoy a 20% discount when using the first bridge, paying only RM5.60 using Touch n Go cards.
Those who want to apply for the discount card have to furnish documented proof that they are from Penang or work in the state.
Public works exco Zairil Khir Johari said Goh’s proposal was good but the decision could only be made by the federal government and the bridge’s concessionaire.
“We can only suggest. We have no power to decide,” he said during question time at the state legislative assembly this morning.
Zairil said it was doubtful they would agree to the discount as the longer and underused second bridge is more costly to maintain compared to the first bridge.
Last year’s operation cost for the second bridge was RM121.15 million, with an average monthly operation cost of RM10.1 million. This year, the operation cost from January to October was RM107.06 million.
But the concessionaire only collected RM38 million from tolls last year. Since it opened to traffic in April 2014 until September 30 this year, toll collection at the second bridge only totalled RM142.5 million.
The 24km second bridge that links Batu Maung in the south of Penang Island and Batu Kawan in central Seberang Prai, had traffic volumes of 3.43 million in 2014 and 4.73 million in 2015.
The numbers pale in comparison with figures on the 13.5km first bridge linking Prai on the mainland and Gelugor on the island – 29.57 million in 2013, 28.83 million in 2014, and 29.93 million in 2015. – November 16, 2018.
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Comments
Posted 5 years ago by Arshad Lazim · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Panchen Low · Reply
Just do not comprehend why was the request to build the second bridge (when it is so under used).???? I do know for sure that after the expansion and widening of the First Bridge from two lane to three lane , the traffic congestions was adressed. Why was no feasibility studies done on traffic volume with the view of an expansion done on the first bridge. Going for the second bridge was just someting that the DAP was so proud and big hoo ha on the achievement due to the prudence costing. Yes it is easy for many to speak base on hind sight but the least any competent city planners could do was to perform an elaborate and proper indepth detail analysis to holler out whether it is "all sysytem go" before the proposed second bridge is being built. Looks like the state government is on populist advocaion. The cost second bridge could have been saved for the MTP and its tunnel programn without apprehension. The Penang State Government should pep up and really review what ever their assembly council exuberence in proposal and suggestions. We are seeing many absurdities from them not neccessary bad but fool hardy. The sword is two edges sharp.
Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply