Malaysia’s Most Congested City: The Challenges Facing Penang
Penang, one of Malaysia’s most vibrant and populous regions, is grappling with severe traffic congestion, earning it the reputation as the country’s most congested city. In February 2024, George Town, the capital of Penang, topped the TomTom Traffic Index, with drivers spending an average of 27 minutes to travel just 10 kilometers—a speed of roughly 22 kilometers per hour. This congestion is a reflection of Penang’s car-centric culture and inadequate public transportation system, which struggles to meet the growing demands of its population. In an effort to address this issue, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officially launched the construction of the Mutiara LRT Line in January, a nearly 30-kilometer rail project with 21 stations. The LRT line, set to begin operations in December 2031, is expected to alleviate some of the city’s traffic woes. However, until its completion, Penang must rely on other strategies to manage its congestion crisis.
The Roots of Penang’s Congestion: Limited Roads and Overdependence on Cars
Penang’s traffic congestion is exacerbated by its well-developed but overwhelmed road network. The island’s geographic constraints make it difficult to expand roads, and even when new roads are built, they often fill up quickly as they encourage more people to drive. This phenomenon, known as induced demand, means that adding more road space does not necessarily reduce congestion—it simply invites more cars onto the streets. The city’s existing public transportation system, which includes 47 bus routes operated by a fleet of 350 buses, is insufficient to meet the needs of its population. Buses often face delays due to traffic, which further deterrents people from using them. The result is a vicious cycle: traffic congestion makes buses less reliable, and the lack of reliable public transportation forces more people to drive, worsening the congestion.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Mutiara LRT Line and the Role of Buses
The Mutiara LRT Line represents a significant step forward in addressing Penang’s transportation challenges. Once operational, the LRT will provide a faster and more efficient way for commuters to travel across the island, reducing the reliance on private vehicles. However, the LRT alone will not solve Penang’s traffic problems. To maximize its impact, it must be complemented by an improved bus network. In November 2024, Penang introduced a six-month pilot program to test dedicated bus lanes in the inner city. This initiative aimed to enhance the efficiency of public transportation by giving buses priority, reducing delays, and making them a more attractive option for commuters. If successful, the pilot could pave the way for a more extensive and reliable bus network.
The Interim Solution: Enhancing Bus Services to Reduce Congestion
Until the LRT line becomes operational, the most effective strategy for reducing congestion in Penang is to shift more commuters from cars to buses, particularly during peak hours. By increasing the frequency and reliability of bus services, the city can encourage people to leave their cars behind, even if only for part of their journey. This approach not only addresses the immediate need to reduce traffic but also lays the foundation for a more comprehensive public transportation system when the LRT is completed. Buses will play a critical role in providing “first-mile” and “last-mile” connections, allowing commuters to easily transfer between their homes, workplaces, and LRT stations. In cities like Singapore, where 44.5% of public transport journeys involve a combination of buses and trains, the importance of an integrated bus network is evident. For Penang, which has a lower population density and a smaller rail network, buses will be even more crucial in ensuring the success of the LRT.
Lessons from Singapore: The Importance of a Comprehensive Bus Network
Singapore’s public transportation system offers valuable lessons for Penang. The city-state’s success in encouraging the use of public transport is largely due to its well-integrated network of buses and trains. In 2020, nearly half of all public transport commutes in Singapore involved a combination of both modes, highlighting the importance of seamless transfers between buses and trains. For Penang, which has a lower population density and a smaller rail network, buses will be even more essential. Without a robust complementary bus network, the LRT system will struggle to achieve its full potential. Public transport will remain a less viable option for many, making the RM10.5 billion (US$2.4 billion) investment in the LRT harder to justify. By learning from Singapore’s example, Penang can create a more efficient and user-friendly public transportation system.
Conclusion: A Vision for Penang’s Transportation Future
The launch of the Mutiara LRT Line is a promising step toward solving Penang’s traffic congestion. However, the success of this project depends on more than just the LRT itself—it requires a coordinated effort to enhance the city’s bus network and encourage a shift away from private vehicles. By prioritizing public transportation and creating an integrated system of buses and trains, Penang can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and create a more sustainable and livable city for its residents. The challenges are significant, but with careful planning and a commitment to improving public transport, Penang can overcome its reputation as Malaysia’s most congested city and become a model for urban mobility in the region.
