Rapid Penang is testing two electric buses over the next two days as the operator moves closer to introducing low-carbon public transport in the state.
The trial involves a 12-metre Foton bus and an 8.25-metre Golden Dragon bus, which will run on selected routes to see how they perform under real road and traffic conditions.
What will Rapid Penang test?
The buses will be assessed for route suitability, traffic performance, energy use, charging efficiency, safety and passenger comfort.
Rapid Bus CEO Syahrul Azmir Ahmad Zaki said the trial will give the operations team valuable experience and data before electric buses are deployed on existing routes.
“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 preparing the necessary infrastructure, including charging and maintenance facilities, while training staff and developing new operational procedures for electric buses. The electric buses will be introduced in stages after the trial, with the operator continuing to work on its operational readiness.
Rapid Bus is currently in the first phase of procuring 75 electric buses for Penang, with deliveries expected to take place in stages until March 2027. The procurement is part of a wider fleet replacement programme involving 240 electric buses and 70 new diesel buses in Penang.
The move supports Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap and National Transport Policy 2019–2030, as well as Penang’s goal of becoming Malaysia’s greenest state by 2030.
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