George town: Rapid Penang On-Demand (ROD) is increasingly being recognized for strengthening the public transport system in Penang by offering flexible service options, particularly for users in residential areas that are distant from main bus routes. Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd Northern Region head Mohd Amir Abd Halim highlighted the service's role as an alternative to the conventional bus system, which follows fixed routes and schedules. The service has been well received, with four main zones recording the highest average daily passenger numbers in March and April this year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the George Town zone reported the highest average daily passenger number, with 277 passengers in March, which increased to 320 in April. The Gurney Zone recorded 266 daily passengers in March, rising slightly to 268 in April. The Sunway Zone saw an increase from 242 passengers in March to 258 in April. The Farlim Zone, one of the early benchmark areas, also showed positive demand with an average of 193 daily passengers in March and 185 in April.
ROD operates with flexibility and efficiency, using vans as a mode of transport in an on-demand concept. Mohd Amir noted that more users are incorporating ROD into their daily transport routines, especially to complete the first and last mile of their journeys to the existing Rapid Penang bus network. The service uses a real-time booking system via the Rapid On-Demand application, allowing dynamic van movement arrangements based on user requests, stop locations, service zones, and current traffic conditions.
Mohd Amir emphasized that the service bridges the gap in public transport access, especially for residents in areas far from main bus routes. Additionally, the service could reduce reliance on private vehicles, alleviating traffic congestion and parking shortages in city centers. Rapid Penang is focusing on improving service zone performance by adding pick-up and drop-off locations and providing interchange stops between zones for seamless user travel connections.
Efforts are underway to combine several ROD zones to enable direct travel without changing service zones, such as the routes from Farlim to Paya Terubong, Bayan Baru to Bayan Lepas, and Bukit Mertajam to Alma. Rapid Penang is also enhancing the ROD application's algorithm to prevent van diversions too far from booking locations and to consistently meet the 15-minute waiting period.
Looking to the future, Mohd Amir announced plans to introduce 170 electric vans in stages starting at the end of 2027, supporting the expansion of service zones and enhancing van fleet efficiency. However, he acknowledged challenges, particularly public awareness and digital application usage among the elderly. Rapid Penang is conducting information campaigns with local communities, colleges, universities, and shopping centers to ensure clear information dissemination.