Penang Traffic Woes Persist Despite PTMP - Penang Gerakan

Penang Gerakan has renewed its criticism of the state’s transport blueprint, arguing that after almost two decades the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) has failed to ease daily traffic snarls.

At its annual state convention, delegates passed a resolution demanding an independent review of the PTMP, saying outside expertise is needed to craft practical short- and long-term fixes.

“The state convention urges the Penang government to rope in experts to get their views and to implement short and long-term measures to address traffic-related issues,” the resolution stated, according to FMT.

The call comes as Penang’s transport chief Zairil Khir Johari continues to defend the state’s heavy spending on new flyovers and the planned LRT, arguing such projects remain the most realistic way to reduce congestion.

He dismissed suggestions for bus-only lanes as “unrealistic,” stressing that buses still share the same crowded roads.

But transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan warned this mindset risks repeating mistakes seen in other global cities.

“Every new road just attracts more cars. Without managing demand through better buses, parking controls or peak-hour pricing, congestion simply moves elsewhere,” said Wan Agyl, founder of think tank MY Mobility Vision, in comments to FMT.

He believes buses can still play a vital role if given dedicated lanes and strict enforcement.

“Buses don’t fly, but they can glide. Cities like Bogotá and Seoul have proven that well-planned bus systems can match trains in speed and reliability,” he said.

While Wan Agyl supports the LRT as a long-term fix, he stressed that commuters also need faster, visible improvements.

“We need a 50-year solution like rail, but also five-year fixes people can see today like buses, ferries, better traffic management,” he added.