Reviews & Press : : Penang Trams, Trolleybuses & Railways: Municipal Transport History 1880s-1963

NST
Sunday, 12 August 2007
by Phuah Ken Lin

Bring back trams to re-package tourism

GEORGE TOWN: Heritage conservationists are lobbying for the re-introduction of trams in the state as a mode of integrated public transportation around the inner city.

Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) wants the state government to look into the possibility of installing the disabled-friendly and pollution-free trams as part of a plan to re-package the state tourism industry.

With the help of an Australian transportation specialist, Ric Francis, PHT plans to submit a proposal to the Penang Tourism Action Council soon on the implementation of the tram.

Speaking to newsmen here yesterday, Francis drew out several routes connecting Komtar and Pengkalan Weld.

"The loop service will encompass the heritage trail comprising colonial heritage buildings and tourist spots.

"We intend to help the government to get overseas’ quotations for cable and tram components," said Francis.

He said the routes of the trams had been mapped out to integrate with the transportation network such as the RapidPenang bus services.

Meanwhile, in an immediate response, state Environment and Tourism Development Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the state government would deliberate on the preliminary report by Francis.

"We will study the total cost of investment before deciding on the matter."