The much cheaper way to get around in Penang. Taxis are expensive in the context of what Locals earn and the distance travelled. Eg. Taxi fare from Penang International Airport to Georgetown is about RM45. Bus provides an alternative provided you know where to alight, what number to take and don't mind standing with the crowd. The fare starts from RM1.40 for a short journey. The trip can sometimes be long due to service distance and the usual jam in city area. For example, the time required from Batu Ferringhi (Holiday Inn) to Penang International Airport by public bus (No 102) can take between 1hr 30mins to 1hr 45mins.
I understood from Taxi drivers in Penang that each taxi driver served a particular zone of the island and they could not pick up customers from other zone. They explained that because of this, the rate was higher as they could return in an empty cab. System doesn't seems right as this creates monopoly. However, locals didn't bother with this as many of them drove with a car or a motorcycle.
Penang should build a Mass Rapid Transit to serve both locals and foreign tourist /businessman, just like KL.
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