THE Penang government will continue its free ferry ride programme for another six months until June 30 next year, involving an expenditure of RM468,000.

State Infrastructure and Transport chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the matter was in line with the state government’s move to extend the Mutiara Pass funding, which was announced recently.

“This means that Malaysians will continue to enjoy free public transport in Penang. 

“The funding of fares for pedestrians using the ferry services involves 65,000 tickets per month or a monthly allocation of RM78,000,” he said in a statement today.

He said the programme, launched since July 1, 2021, has been well-received by Penang folk, as shown in higher ridership volume.

To enjoy the free ferry rides, Malaysian passengers only need to produce their MyKad to register in advance at the ticket counter and tap on the scanner provided by Penang Port Sdn Bhd before boarding the ferry.

“The state government hopes that with the continued funding it would to some extent alleviate the burden of those having to travel to and from Butterworth and Penang Island and encourage the public to use public transport,” he said. – Bernama, December 31, 2022.