Penang: Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus) is set to expand its Rapid Penang On-Demand service through a three-month Proof of Concept (POC) phase beginning on May 31, covering seven zones. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity with existing bus routes based on local demand and population density.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad's group chief operating officer (operations), Amir Hamdan, stated that the first zone, the Alma zone, will feature four vans to connect passengers with existing bus routes such as 708 (Bukit Mertajam - Junjung), 801 (Penang Sentral - Nibong Tebal), and 802 (Bukit Mertajam - Nibong Tebal).

The BM (Bukit Mertajam) City zone will have three vans operating in the Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) town centre to improve first and last mile access and enhance interconnections with existing bus routes, including 606 (Bukit Mertajam - Kepala Batas), 701 (Bukit Mertajam - Penang Sentral), and several others.

Amir noted that the Bayan Baru zone will involve three vans providing access to routes such as 301 (Weld Quay - Relau), 302 (Weld Quay - Batu Maung), and 401E (Weld Quay - Balik Pulau), among others.

In the Bertam zone, two vans will connect commuters with routes 601 (Penang Sentral - Kepala Batas), 606, and 610 (Kepala Batas - Tasek Gelugor) to minimize waiting times. The Balik Pulau zone will also have two vans connecting with existing routes, including 401E and 403 (Balik Pulau - Pulau Betong).

The Transkrian or Nibong Tebal zone will operate with two vans to connect the community with the Rapid Penang bus service network. Meanwhile, the Batu Kawan zone will feature three vans to serve this industrial, commercial, and residential hub, which currently lacks a public transport network.

Amir mentioned that during the POC period, Rapid Bus will monitor demand and usage patterns to ensure the service meets commuter needs, with potential improvements based on evaluation results and feedback. As of mid-May, the service operated in six zones with 31 vans, showing an average daily usage by 1,828 people, indicating positive acceptance among commuters.