Rapid Bus Introduces First DRT Service In Penang

GEORGE TOWN, July 31 (Bernama) -- Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus), the operator of the Rapid Penang bus service, will introduce the first Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) service on a trial basis in Penang from tomorrow until Oct 31, 2024.

It said in a statement that the DRT service in Farlim and Air Itam will be through the proof of concept (POC) phase involving a collaboration with Kumpool's e-hailing service booking application, for the benefit of users who previously had difficulty accessing bus services due to narrow roads, especially in residential areas.

"The service, covering a two-kilometre radius, also connects passengers to several points such as Pekan Air Itam, Kek Lok Si Temple, Sunshine Central, Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Baru Air Itam and Pekan Farlim,” according to the statement today.

"The DRT Service guarantees seats that can be booked daily between from 6 am and 11 pm, with an introductory fare of RM1 per journey. Passengers can pay in cash or use the My50 Pearl Pass and OKU Smile Travel Pass.

Rapid Bus chief executive officer Muhammad Yazurin Sallij said the DRT service is a flexible mode of transport according to passenger demand that provides ‘first- and last-mile’ connectivity with existing bus route services, with an average frequency of 10 minutes for a smoother passenger journey to George Town.

“We always strive to provide relevant services to passengers. We will give the best services to Penang residents,” he said.

The DRT services can be booked through the Kumpool application which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store. Visit Rapid Penang's official social media or website: www.myrapid.com.my for more information.

-- BERNAMA