Low-noise electric buses can pose a danger to pedestrians who may not hear them approaching. Rapid Penang’s new electric buses carry an acoustic vehicle alerting system that produces warning sounds, particularly at low speeds, to close that gap.
The 15 buses are now serving routes on Penang island and the mainland, with the fleet expected to grow to 75 by March next year, according to The Star. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the buses also carry an advanced driver assistance system that alerts drivers to potential road hazards.
“The new buses are environmentally friendly and quieter, which means there is a risk of people not hearing them,” he said after launching the first 15 electric Rapid Penang buses at the depot in Pengkalan Weld. “I hope the state government, city councils and others will take this into account in traffic planning and pedestrian routes, particularly at pedestrian crossings.”
Of the 15 buses, 14 measure 8.25m and one measures 12m. Loke said the shorter buses handle the island’s narrow roads and densely populated areas more easily, improving accessibility and connectivity for commuters.
The Penang allocation sits inside a RM200mil procurement of 250 electric buses, with the remaining 175 bound for Rapid KL, Malay Mail reported. Deliveries run in two stages, with 40 buses for Rapid Penang and 110 for Rapid KL due by 31 December, followed by another 35 and 65 between January and March 2027.
As of 13 October, Rapid Bus had received 52 buses, comprising 37 for Rapid KL and 15 for Rapid Penang. Charging units have been installed at nine depots, three of them in Penang, and a further 100 units are planned at six depots for the second stage.
Loke said charging facilities at depots, maintenance capabilities and workforce training were being strengthened to support the transition. The gradual rollout allows Rapid to monitor the buses’ performance, reliability and maintenance needs without disrupting passenger services.
The aim is to replace all local buses with electric models by 2031. The current batch forms part of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd’s plan to acquire 1,600 electric buses between 2026 and 2031, replacing part of the diesel fleet across the Rapid Penang and Rapid KL networks.
The shift supports carbon reduction in the transport sector under the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the National Transport Policy 2019-2030.
Loke also set out the operator’s future role alongside the Mutiara Line LRT. Rapid Penang, as the stage bus operator in Penang, must support first- and last-mile connections and complement the rail system, he said.
