GEORGE TOWN: Many times have the ferry service between Penang island and its mainland been changed, and it is going to change again, with all the blessings of modernity while retaining the centuries-old delight of ferry-crossing.
Row boats once kept the people-flow going between the island and the mainland about 300 years ago and gradually, diesel engines gave commuters the advantage of speed.
By this August, the latest changes taking place now will include high-speed WiFi for commuters to get things done while they wait for the ferries, which will not be a long wait, anyway.
A new era in cross-channel commuting awaits Penangites that will allow them to possibly get between the island and the mainland at times faster than driving across one of the two bridges.
PPC chairman Datuk Tan Teik ChengFive new high-capacity, modern-day ferries are now being custom-built for Penang to bring large numbers of people and even motorcycles and bicycles each trip at speeds that the ferries of yesteryear would never have achieved.
And the ferry terminals will even have flush carpeting, Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said.
"We are looking at a 400sq m modern terminal with air-conditioned waiting areas equipped with WiFi, phone-charging docks and facilities for disabled persons," said Tan during a press conference after taking the media on a tour of the upgrading works at the terminals on Saturday (March 26).
The upgrading of Penang's ferry terminals, said Tan, is on schedule with 60% of the work completed and will be ready by end-August.
He said once completed both Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim terminal on the mainland and Raja Tun Uda terminal on the island will "have facilities similar to an airport, with fully carpeted floors and cafes".
"The retail area at Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim in Butterworth will be located on the first floor with 16 stalls, while the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda terminal on the island will have 25 retail outlets.
"We forecast 1,643,919 passengers boarding the ferry in 2023, and it will increase to 1,685,430 in 2028.
"Vehicles (bicycles and motorcycles) are forecasted to see a volume of 680,000 to 711,000 units next year, with the volume maintaining between 693,135 to 700,000 units in 2028," he said.
On the acquisition of the new ferries, Tan said the Federal Government gave RM15mil last year.
"We will be giving another RM15mil this year, but only for the purchase of the new ferries from The Netherlands. The upgrading cost of the terminals are borne by the operator, Penang Port Sdn Bhd," he said.
PPSB in May last year said the cost of upgrading the terminals would cost around RM20mil with another RM60mil for the procurement of the water vehicles.
In December, PPSB said the ferry service will see a RM100mil makeover, including the arrival of a fleet of four new ferries costing RM16mil each.
The four new ferries will be ready for service by mid-2023.
The new ferries can take in about 250 passengers, plus two-wheelers.
Most of the old Penang ferries were retired in December, 2020, with only a single ferry in service now, carrying two-wheelers. Pedestrians cross the channel on fast boats.
All four-wheelers now used either of Penang's two bridges to cross the channel.