The state government has submitted plans for the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) to the Land Public Transport Com-mission (SPAD) for approval.

State exco member Chow Kon Yeow said the application was submitted by state secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus on March 29.

The LRT between Komtar and Bayan Lepas is the first the state rail network proposed under the RM27bil Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

Calling it a historic moment in the implementation of PTMP, Chow said they were happy to reach the significant milestone.

“We have submitted it according to schedule,” he said before the launching of PTMP website at Komtar yesterday.

The 30km Bayan Lepas LRT starts from Komtar in the northeast corner of the island, passes through Jelutong, Gelugor, Bayan Lepas and Penang International Airport before ending at the proposed Penang South Reclamation development.

Expected to provide a fast route to the airport, it will traverse densely populated residential, commercial and industrial areas.

There are 27 LRT stations along the alignment, with the maintenance depot located on the first island to be reclaimed on the island’s south coast.

The alignment also factors in interchanges with future LRT and monorail lines planned, including one that will cross the channel to connect Gelugor with Penang Sentral in Butterworth.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who launched the website, said PTMP would help alleviate traffic congestion through a five-in-one mode – taxi, bus, water taxi/ferry, cable car and LRT/monorail.

“There is also a public transport network involving buses and a master plan for bicycle routes.

“This is a game changer for Penang, not only in terms of economic development and prosperity, but a chance to enhance Penang as a liveable city.”

Source: TheStar.com.my