Rapid Penang DRT Service Starts Today, Runs Until Oct 31

The operator of the Rapid Penang bus services, Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus), is growing its network by starting a trial for its Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) service in Penang, which will serve the Farlim and Air Itam areas. The time frame for this trial will be from Aug 1 to Oct 31, 2024.

Working with the e-hailing booking app Kumpool, the DRT service is being tested as part of a proof-of-concept phase to assist travellers who have previously encountered obstacles using bus services because small roads, particularly in residential areas, are inaccessible to buses.

"We are committed to providing relevant services to our passengers. The DRT service is a flexible mode of transportation that adapts to passenger demand. It ensures first and last mile connectivity with existing bus routes, offering an average frequency of 10 minutes for smoother travel to Georgetown," said Muhammad Yazurin Sallij, CEO of Rapid Bus.

This service links users to key areas like Pekan Air Itam, Kek Lok Si, Sunshine Central, Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Baru Air Itam, and Pekan Farlim within a two-kilometre radius.

With a fee of only RM1.00 per journey, the DRT service ensures seats for all users who make reservations via the Kumpool app. Bookings can be made everyday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Travellers have three options when it comes to paying their fare: cash or the Mutiara My50 Pass and OKU Smile Travel Pass.