THE much-awaited ferry service from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) in George Town to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim began fully operating today, said caretaker Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said the four new ferries — Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kampi, Teluk Duyung and Teluk Kumbar — operate 68 two-way trips a day, running every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during non-peak hours.

He said both terminals have been upgraded, with waiting areas now equipped with air-conditioning, security cameras, and elevators for people with disabilities.

“I am aware that before this, the issue among passengers was the unpleasant waiting area conditions, but from today, we will see a remarkable change,” he told the media after the launch of the new ferry service at PRTU today.

He said commuters will enjoy free rides from today until September 6. Each ferry can carry 150 passengers and 50 motorcycles.

Chow said he will look into the use of water taxis to connect parts of the island and Seberang Perai as a faster way to travel the long coastline.

“The state government will cooperate with the Transport Ministry in exploring a water-based transport system that can function more efficiently,” he said.

Former teacher Utam Singh, 75, did not want to miss out on the launch of the new ferry service even though he resides in Kulim, Kedah.

“I have been using the Penang ferry since the 1950s, from Penang to Perai Railway Station, then came the next generation. I believe (the new ferries) are more comfortable and faster than before,” Utam said.

Medical assistant Mohd Fairul Nizan Misni, 30, said he depends on the ferry to travel between Padang Serai to Penang Hospital, which takes 50 minutes per trip.

“On the long journey home, I can take a nap or just rest on the ferry, instead of having to deal with heavy traffic and strong crosswinds on the Penang Bridge,” he said. – Bernama, August 7, 2023.