PENANG’S latest attraction, the Hop-on Hop-off bus service, has started losing its appeal.
A Streets check showed that the bus which tours the island had fewer than five passengers per trip.
This was in stark contrast to when the service was introduced two weeks ago, when the public packed the buses every day to take advantage of the free rides during its week-long trial run.
The launch on Nov 16 took place with much fanfare at Gurney Drive with government officials attending the event.
Tickets are priced at RM19 for adults and RM12 for children, while foreigners pay RM45 for adults and RM24 for children.
Goay Geik Sim, 74, said Penangites were not ready to fork out RM19 for a 24-hour ride.
“The fare is too costly. I hope the operator will consider making it more affordable for everyone,” she said.
Another commuter, Mohd Rizuan Amiruddin, 24, said he was not willing to pay RM19 for a bus ride.
“I have been taking Rapid Penang buses and each trip can cost up to RM4. There is no reason for me to pay almost five times the amount for a scenic ride on the double-decker bus.
“I suggest the company revise the fare to that of a stage bus,” he said.
The spokesman for the Kuala Lumpur-based operator, Elang Wah Sdn Bhd, was unable to say what the contingency plan was.
He refused to comment if the current fare structure was too exorbitant.
Elang Wah had expected about 300 passengers per day.
The Hop-On Hop-Off bus offers passengers a panoramic, rooftop view and visits 33 tourist spots in George Town, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang.
Passengers may choose to stay for a full tour or hop on and hop off at any of the stops.
The bus can seat 60 passengers and is equipped with disabled-friendly features.
An average of six buses are deployed daily.
The company has invested RM11 million in its maiden foray into Penang.
No comments:
Post a Comment