George town: The Penang Hill shuttle bus service between Komtar and Bukit Bendera Station will operate free of charge for four days from February 16 to 19, coinciding with the upcoming school holidays.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Penang Hill Corporation (PBBPP) announced that the service will run from 9 am to 9 pm with eight trips daily. The initiative is a collaboration with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd and is supported by the state government. The shuttle buses will be clearly marked as "Penang Hill Free Shuttle Service," with distinct pick-up and drop-off points to ensure easy recognition for passengers.

The primary goal of the initiative is to alleviate traffic congestion around Bukit Bendera and promote green initiatives by reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the state's Penang 2030 Vision to foster a Smart and Green Family-Centric State.

PBBPP reported that more than 10,000 passengers have used the service to date, with a significant increase of 45.7 percent in passengers during the Chinese New Year from 2024 to 2025. Overall, the service has experienced an 82 percent growth in usage since its launch.

The rising number of passengers indicates the popularity of the free shuttle service among locals and visitors. It highlights the success of PBBPP's efforts in enhancing accessibility and encouraging public transport use to mitigate traffic issues. Additionally, the shuttle service aims to improve the visitor experience by cutting travel time and eliminating the difficulties associated with navigation and parking.