Rapid Penang begins two-day electric bus trial ahead of rollout

GEORGE TOWN: Rapid Penang has begun a two-day trial of electric buses as part of preparations to introduce low-carbon public transport in the state.

The trial follows similar sessions by Rapid KL and forms part of Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd's efforts to replace its existing fleet with safer, more sustainable vehicles while improving operational efficiency.

Two electric buses from different manufacturers — a 12-metre Foton bus and an 8.25-metre Golden Dragon bus — will be tested on selected routes to assess their real-world suitability.

The evaluation will focus on route compatibility, traffic performance, energy consumption, charging efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort.

Rapid Bus chief executive officer Syahrul Azmir Ahmad Zaki said the trial marks a crucial step toward launching Penang's first electric buses.

"It is an important benchmark to ensure the operations team has sufficient data and experience to assess the performance, capabilities and operational requirements of electric buses under actual conditions before they are introduced on existing routes," he said.

Rapid Penang is also establishing essential support infrastructure, including charging and maintenance facilities, staff training, and operational frameworks.

Electric buses will be introduced in stages following the trial, with Rapid Penang continuing to refine operational readiness to ensure smooth service for commuters.

The operator is currently in the first phase of procuring 75 electric buses, with deliveries scheduled in stages through March 2027.

The procurement forms part of a wider bus replacement programme in Penang involving 240 electric buses and 70 new diesel buses.

The initiative aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the National Transport Policy 2019-2030, the Penang Transport Master Plan, and the Penang Green Agenda, which aims to make Penang Malaysia's greenest state by 2030.

The initiative is also aligned with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and National Transport Policy 2019-2030, while supporting Penang's efforts to promote sustainable urban mobility.