PENANG is now planning a second Congestion Alleviation Transport (CAT) bus route through the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Bridge (Second Penang Bridge) that will connect Bayan Lepas on the island with Batu Kawan on Prai mainland.
There is now a CAT Rapid Penang bus service on the first Penang Bridge, where the service is complimentary to Penang commuters between Bayan Baru on the island with Seberang Jaya on the mainland.
It is designed to alleviate congestion although Penang continues to struggle with worsening bottlenecks, blamed on the haphazard town planning of the past.
Bukit Tambun assemblyperson Goh Choon Aik, who is the Penang PKR deputy chairperson, said that there is plan to have a second CAT service, which if implemented well, is designed to reduce congestion in both the Bayan Lepas and Batu Kawan Free Industrial Zones, which are the heartbeat of the state’s electronics and electrical manufacturing hub.
“The proposal is still in its early stages, but if implemented, it would mark another significant milestone in enhancing connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland,” said Goh after a briefing on the matter at Design Village.
He first brought up the suggestion in 2018 but it was put on hold due to the low ridership, which may now change with more demand for public transport.
“This new route aims to link two of Penang’s most dynamic economic zones namely the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP) via the Second Bridge.”
“It will provide a reliable and affordable commuting option for thousands of workers who travel daily across the bridge, while also helping to reduce the volume of private vehicles on the road and, in turn, ease traffic congestion.
“These efforts reflect our continued commitment to improving accessibility, reducing congestion, and supporting the mobility needs of our workforce.”
Goh is seeking feedback from various stakeholders to ensure that the project is feasible although it may not be complimentary unlike the first CAT service.
“The session with the stakeholders, is meant to gather feedback from stakeholders before deciding when to launch the initiative, its reliability, bus frequency, the number of shuttle buses, as well as the pick-up and drop-off points. Ultimately, our goal is not just to operate more buses but to build a sustainable, well – connected mobility ecosystem that supports growth, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances the quality of life for Penangites,” said Goh.
Goh also urged employers to provide subsidies for employees to motivate them to use public transport, a move he said would help reduce traffic congestion.
“Employers’ commitment to encouraging the use of public transport is crucial in supporting the Penang government’s initiative and in ensuring the effective use of public transport funding,” he said. – October 29, 2025.
