Rapid Bus Expands On-Demand Service In Penang With 7 New Vans

Rapid Bus has added seven vans to its Rapid On-Demand (ROD) service in Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru, increasing the number of service zones in Penang to 13, The Star has reported.

Acting CEO Ku Jamil Zakaria said four vans are currently operating in Bayan Lepas, which began service on April 27, while three more were introduced in Bayan Baru on May 31. He added that more vehicles could be deployed as demand grows.

“The initial response has been very encouraging. We’re seeing good potential for growth,” he said, noting that the two zones now serve an average of 200 passengers daily.

Ku Jamil added that the service could help boost public transport use, especially in areas like Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru, which are rapidly developing thanks to projects like the Mutiara LRT and the Penang Airport expansion.

“We hope stakeholders involved in these developments will help promote the service so more people are encouraged to give it a try,” he said.

For context, Ku Jamil shared that the ROD service was first introduced in Farlim on August 1 last year. It now runs a fleet of 50 vans, serving an average of 2,520 passengers daily from January to June this year.