Can new ferries act as water taxis at private jetties?

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The Transport Ministry is considering the use of new ferries as water taxis, including at private jetties in Penang.

The Transport Ministry is evaluating the feasibility of deploying the new ferry fleet to operate as "water taxis" with stops at various locations around Penang island, potentially including privately owned jetties. This consideration stems from a desire to enhance the utility of the new ferries beyond their current primary route. The ministry intends to grant Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) the flexibility to establish new routes and incorporate additional landing points within the state, provided passenger safety is maintained.
Expansion of Ferry Routes Under Consideration

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has indicated that the ministry is exploring the possibility of extending the new ferry service to include additional routes around Penang island. Specific locations being examined for potential new stops include Bayan Baru and Straits Quay. This initiative aims to leverage the new ferries as versatile "water taxis" capable of serving a broader range of destinations, including those with private jetties, contingent on demand and feasibility assessments.
Operational Flexibility for Penang Port Sdn Bhd

Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), the operator of the ferry service, will be afforded considerable flexibility by the Transport Ministry to develop new routes and establish additional landing points. The current service operates exclusively between Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda on the island and Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim in Butterworth. However, the ministry's openness to new routes suggests a strategy to maximise the operational scope of the new fleet, with a focus on intra-Penang connections.
Potential for Charter and Tourism Usage

Beyond passenger transport, the ministry is permitting PPSB to charter out one of the new ferries for tourism-related activities. This could include private events, tours for groups, and corporate functions. This move aims to create additional revenue streams and enhance Penang's tourism offerings by utilising the new ferries for diverse purposes, while ensuring sufficient capacity remains for the core George Town-Butterworth route. The ministry is also open to proposals from private entities to repurpose the older, decommissioned ferries into tourism products.
Current Service Performance and Future Fares

The new ferry service, which commenced on August 7 with a fleet of four vessels, has seen significant uptake, with approximately 50,000 passengers using the service in its initial six days. Currently, the service is free for the first month. Following this introductory period, a fare will be implemented, to be determined by the Penang Port Commission (PPC). It is anticipated that the fare will be affordable, with passengers charged only once for a return journey. The state government is also being asked to consider incorporating the ferry fare into the Mutiara Pass subsidy for the following year. The ferries currently operate at 15-minute intervals, with a crossing time of 10 to 12 minutes.

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Can new ferries act as water taxis at private jetties?

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