How did the first Penang Bridge impact ferry ridership and operations?

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The first Penang Bridge reduced ferry demand and contributed to the decline of ferry operations
The opening of the first Penang Bridge on August 3, 1985 led to a decline in ferry ridership and operations because a majority of vehicles switched to using the bridge instead of crossing by ferry. While foot passengers and some vehicles continued to use the ferries, the overall demand fell, leaving the operator to run ageing vessels that required higher maintenance and generated ongoing losses.
A majority of vehicles moved from ferries to the bridge after August 3, 1985
When the bridge opened to traffic on August 3, 1985, it shifted travel patterns between the mainland and the island. Although the bridge was intended to ease ferry demand and terminal congestion, most vehicles travelling between Butterworth and George Town switched to the bridge, which reduced the need for ferry crossings.
Ferry service continued for foot passengers and some vehicles
Even as vehicle demand declined, foot passengers kept using the ferries, and some vehicles still crossed the channel. The ferries continued to carry passengers and vehicles such as cars, lorries, motorcycles, and bicycles, so the service did not stop entirely.
Ageing ferries and rising maintenance costs followed the ridership decline
With demand falling, the ferries that remained in service became ageing and demanded higher maintenance costs. Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), the operator, reported losses in the tens of millions, including RM23 million per year in 2013, during the period when ferry ridership had already declined.
Losses eventually led to changes in operators, starting with privatisation in 2014
Because the operator continued to bear losses annually, the ferry service was privatised to Seaport Terminal Sdn Bhd in 2014. Later, the service was taken over by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (Prasarana) in 2017 and rebranded as Rapid Ferry, before PPSB resumed operations in 2021 after the old iconic ferries were retired at the end of 2020.

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How did the first Penang Bridge impact ferry ridership and operations?

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