Fed govt asked to study financial impact of scrapping toll on Penang Bridge

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 7): Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pictured) yesterday called on Putrajaya to study the financial impact of getting rid of toll on the Penang Bridge.

"The federal government must study the implications of paying compensation to the concessionaire and maintenance costs based on the concession contract which still has 20 years to go,” Bernama reported Chow saying when replying to a question from Lee Khai Loon (PKR-Machang Bubuk) during the first sitting of the Penang State Assembly since the 14th general election (GE14) of May 9.

Chow explained that the bridge toll is under the purview of the federal government and that the Penang government would support whatever decision made by Putrajaya.

He also said that his government was taking measures to alleviate congestion on the bridge.

One of the measures is the Bridge Express Shuttle Transit (BEST) that was introduced in 2011.

“Support from the public is encouraging and the state government will continue with this effort,” the New Straits Times reported Chow saying.

“The Penang Transport Master Plan was also developed beginning 2013 as a comprehensive method to alleviate traffic congestion, and includes a rail system and several main highways,” he added.