THE Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will offer an alternative to the light rail transit system, which Penang plans to build under its transport master plan.

Civil society groups have objected to the LRT proposed under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) over its cost and environmental impact.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today the SPAD will brief the Penang government on its findings and study on the proposed project.

“The LRT may not be the best option. We have other proposals that we want to present to the state,” he said in Penang after witnessing the joint venture between Penang Port and Royal Caribbean Cruises to redevelop the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.

Penang plans to build an LRT system linking George Town and the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.

“We are supportive of the state’s initiative to improve the public transport system. But the matter now is whether it will be a LRT project, a tram or another mode,” Loke said.

“The state will decide what it wants for the state. Then we will proceed accordingly.”

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state was open to options and looking forward to SPAD’s views.

SPAD has asked Penang to hold on, pending the completion of its public transport study for the northern region, Chow said.

“We will see their views. We are willing to talk, with financing sorted out. We are open to options.

“In some countries, the LRT is called a tram and vice versa. The debate here is whether the rail system will be elevated, or at grid and whether that will be with a dedicated lane or not.”

Earlier, Loke also confirmed that the Penang Airport expansion plan would proceed although the authorities have yet to decide on the model.

“It will surely be expanded. It is the most-needed expansion project in the country.”  

It was earlier reported that budget carrier AirAsia was in the midst of getting a dedicated low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Bayan Lepas, where the airport is. – September 6, 2018.