Half Fare For The Elderly In Penang

PENANG, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Beginning Feb 15, elderly folks aged 60 years and above will need only pay half the fare for their journeys on Rapid Penang buses.

Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said the fare depended on the distance of travel.

He said the company would also phase out the use of the elderly concession card in stages and the elderly had only to show their MyKad to bus drivers to enjoy the discount.

"This is in line with the introduction of 'Satu Nombor Untuk Semua' (1 Number For All Transactions) launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Jan 18.

"All persons born in 1950 and before can use this facility without any processing being needed," he told reporters here today.

Besides this, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year this year, Rapid Penang has added 10 extra buses for main routes here beginning Feb 13-16.

"With the additional buses the total number of buses will be 265," he said.

Azhar said the additional buses will operate in three main thoroughfares which were from Teluk Bahang, Air Itam, Bayan Baru heading towards Weld Quay and the frequency of service was between five to 10 minutes depending on traffic conditions.