Transport in Penang

File:View of Penang Bridge 2025.jpg, with an overhead power grid in the background, {{Circa|2025}}.{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=14 June 2024 |title=TNB's Landmark Monopole Transmission Towers Parallel with Penang Bridge to be Completed in November |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/06/14/tnbs-landmark-monopole-transmission-towers-parallel-with-penang-bridge-to-be-completed-in-november/139746 |access-date=1 January 2025 |work=Malay Mail}}]]

The first roads of George Town {{Endash}} Light, Beach, Chulia and Pitt streets {{Endash}} were created in a grid-like configuration soon after Francis Light founded the settlement in 1786.{{Cite journal |last=Zhao |first=Long |date=2 December 2018 |title=The Townscape Evolution of Historic Port Settlement of George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |url=https://frsb.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/20181224115748artikel_09.pdf |url-status=live |journal=University of Putra Malaysia |volume=11 |pages=67–72 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218151505/https://frsb.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/20181224115748artikel_09.pdf |archive-date=18 December 2023 |access-date=18 December 2023}}{{Cite journal |last=Fadzlin Bakri |first=Aidatul |date=October 2018 |title=Negotiating Identities and 'Sense of Place' in a World Heritage City: The Case of George Town, Penang, Malaysia |url=https://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/9206/7/Bakri2019PhD_Redacted.pdf |url-status=live |journal=University of Birmingham |page=77 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218151505/https://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/9206/7/Bakri2019PhD_Redacted.pdf |archive-date=18 December 2023 |access-date=18 December 2023}} This urban planning method allowed for efficient division, transaction and assessment of land, as well as military deployment. Under the British, a network of roads was gradually extended across Penang Island.

In 1985, the {{cvt|13.5|km||adj=on}} Penang Bridge was completed, establishing the first physical connection between George Town and mainland Seberang Perai. In 2014, the {{cvt|24|km}} Second Penang Bridge was opened to the south, becoming the longest bridge in Southeast Asia at that time.{{Cite web |title=Penang Bridges |url=https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/what-do-civil-engineers-do/penang-bridges |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=Institution of Civil Engineers}}

Seberang Perai is accessible through the North-South Expressway, a {{cvt|966|km}} expressway that stretches along the western part of Peninsular Malaysia.{{Cite book |last1=H. Brooks |first1=Douglas |title=Trade Facilitation and Regional Cooperation in Asia |last2=F. Stone |first2=Susan |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=9781849806527 |page=37}} Major toll routes within Seberang Perai include the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) and the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway.{{Cite journal |year=2021 |title=Annual Report 2021 |url=https://www.llm.gov.my/documents/PublishDoc/pub_1689341195.pdf |journal=Highway Authority Malaysia |pages=70–71}}

{{As of|2023}}, Penang's road system, excluding toll routes, measured {{Convert|6725.1|km|abbr=on}} in length. This included {{Convert|187.4|km|abbr=on}} of federal roads, {{Convert|3497.3|km|abbr=on}} of state roads and {{Convert|3040.4|km|abbr=on}} of municipal roads.{{Cite book |url=https://www.jkr.gov.my/sites/default/files/upload/BUKU%20STATISTIK%20JALAN%20EDISI%202024_FINAL%20%281%29.pdf |title=Statistik Jalan Edisi 2024 |publisher=Malaysian Public Works Department |year=2024 |pages=151, 227, 228 |language=ms |trans-title=Road Statistics 2024 Edition}} Within George Town, the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway is a coastal highway that runs along the city's eastern seaboard, connecting the city centre with the two bridges.{{Cite journal |title=The Proposed Pan Island Link 1 Highway Project, Penang |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109043040/https://enviro2.doe.gov.my/ekmc/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/WSB-SRS-CHAPTER-10-PIL1-Rev05-STUDY-FINDINGS-19-4-18-SRS.pdf |journal=SRS Consortium |via=Wayback Machine}} Federal Route 6 is a pan-island trunk road that circles the city, while the George Town Inner Ring Road is the main thoroughfare within the city centre.{{Cite journal |last=Mak Hoy Ken |first=Tan Ee Zhio |date=3 December 2014 |title=Penang Transport Master Plan: Convergence of Connectivity and Rising Land Values |url=http://cdn1.i3investor.com/my/files/dfgs88n/2014/12/03/1481920274--1115941318.pdf |journal=AmResearch |page=10}}

File:(MYS-Penang) RapidPenang PMQ2978 NIS 2024-01-07.jpg double decker operated by Rapid Penang]]

Trolleybuses were introduced in George Town in 1925, eventually replacing the existing tramlines by 1936.{{cite book |last1=Francis |first1=Ric |title=Penang Trams, Trolleybuses & Railways: Municipal Transport History 1880s–1963 |last2=Ganley |first2=Colin |publisher=Areca Books |year=2006 |isbn=9834283407 |location=Penang |pages=26–66}} Following World War II, diesel-powered buses were also adopted. After the independence of Malaya, the George Town City Council (predecessor to the Penang Island City Council) initiated the replacement of trolleybuses with diesel-powered buses. The final trolleybus was retired in 1961, after which transit buses dominated Penang's public transport system.

Over time, Penang's public buses deteriorated due to financial mismanagement of the several competing private operators.{{Cite news |date=20 February 2007 |title=Rapid KL solution for Penang bus woes |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2007/02/20/rapid-kl-solution-for-penang-bus-woes |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=The Star}} In 2004, the Yellow Bus Company, one of the major public bus operators in the state, abruptly ceased operations.{{Cite news |last=Ng |first=Su-Ann |date=2 January 2004 |title=End of the road for Yellow Bus after 58 years |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2004/01/02/end-of-the-road-for-yellow-bus-after-58-years |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=The Star}}{{Cite journal |last=Sharom |first=Noorashikin |year=2014 |title=The roles of Rapid Penang towards sustainability public transportation in Penang |url=https://eprints.usm.my/60794/1/24%20Pages%20from%2000001779599.pdf |journal=Universiti Sains Malaysia |page=18}} In 2006, the Penang state government, under Chief Minister Koh Tsu Koon, attempted to revive the public bus system by reassigning routes to designated operators.{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Sharanjit |date=2 April 2006 |title=Tempers fray over the new bus system |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SLctAAAAIBAJ&dq=Penang+bus&pg=PA81 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=New Straits Times |page=25}} This initiative was unsuccessful, prompting Koh to request intervention from the Malaysian federal government.{{Cite news |last=Ahmad |first=Moaz Yusuf |date=19 December 2007 |title=Bus wars in Penang reflect poor planning |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/76235 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=Malaysiakini}}

In response, Prasarana Malaysia, a government-owned company, launched Rapid Penang in 2007. The service began with a fleet of 150 buses and has since expanded to become the sole public bus operator in Penang.{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=1 July 2013 |title=Rapid Penang rolls on under Rapid Bus |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2013/07/01/rapid-penang-rolls-on-under-rapid-bus/489341 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=Malay Mail}} {{As of|2025}}, Rapid Penang operates approximately 350 buses across 47 routes within the George Town Conurbation.{{Cite news |last=McIntyre |first=Ian |date=31 October 2023 |title=Rapid Penang to launch demand response transit early next year |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/99721/rapid-penang-to-launch-demand-response-transit-early-next-year |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=The Vibes}}{{Cite web |title=Rapid Penang – Bus |url=https://myrapid.com.my/bus-train/rapid-penang/rapid-pg-bus/ |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=MyRapid |language=en-US}}

File:Penang Sentral, Seberang Perai, Penang.jpg in Seberang Perai]]

Interstate bus services operate from Penang Sentral, the main intermodal transport hub of northwestern Malaysia.{{Cite news |last=Dermawan |first=Audrey |date=14 August 2018 |title=Integrated transportation hub Penang Sentral to begin operations by Dec: Chow |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/401419/integrated-transportation-hub-penang-sentral-begin-operations-dec-chow |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=New Straits Times}} Opened in 2018, the hub integrates Rapid Penang and interstate bus services, linking to the adjacent Butterworth railway station and the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal.{{Cite journal |last=Woo |first=Sze Zeng |author-link=Joshua Woo Sze Zeng |date=9 July 2020 |title=Exploring a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Framework for Penang's Urban Growth |url=https://penanginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Exploring-Transit-Oriented-Development-Framework-for-Penang.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Penang Institute |page=13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227151848/https://penanginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Exploring-Transit-Oriented-Development-Framework-for-Penang.pdf |archive-date=27 December 2023 |access-date=27 December 2023}}{{Cite news |last=McIntyre |first=Ian |date=25 November 2018 |title=Bus drivers ignore travel routes as Penang Sentral goes through first weekend |url=https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/bus-drivers-ignore-travel-routes-as-penang-sentral-goes-through-first-weekend-AL159156 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=The Sun}} Nevertheless, some interstate bus services continue to operate from the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal in George Town.{{Cite news |last=Hilmy |first=Imran |date=23 May 2024 |title=Commuters pleased with upgraded bus terminal |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2024/05/23/commuters-pleased-with-upgraded-bus-terminal |access-date=16 September 2024 |work=The Star}}

The trishaw was formerly one of the primary modes of transport within downtown George Town. Trishaws still ply the city's streets, albeit catering primarily to tourists.{{Cite web |title=Penang Institute's 'Back to Beca' Project out to Safeguard the Trade |url=https://penanginstitute.org/happenings/in-the-mass-media/862-penang-institute-s-back-to-beca-project-out-to-safeguard-the-trade/ |access-date=10 December 2023 |website=Penang Institute}}

To promote urban mobility, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout Penang is being upgraded.{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=1 March 2018 |title=Penang Streetscapes to be More Pedestrian Friendly, Says Exco |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2018/03/01/penang-streetscapes-to-be-more-pedestrian-friendly-says-exco/1588225 |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=Malay Mail}}{{Cite news |last=Lilian Chan |date=8 February 2017 |title=Penang to be First Cycling State |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-to-be-first-cycling-state/ |work=Buletin Mutiara}} In 2010, the Penang state government, under Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, proposed the construction of {{Convert|200|km|abbr=on}} of cycling paths throughout George Town.{{Cite web |last=Sheryl Teoh |date=6 July 2021 |title=The Penang Bicycle Route Master Plan |url=https://penang2030.com/2021/07/the-penang-bicycle-route-master-plan/ |access-date=29 October 2024 |website=Penang2030}} In 2016, George Town became the first city in Malaysia to operate a public bicycle-sharing service with the launch of LinkBike.{{Cite news |last=Lilian Chan |date=8 February 2017 |title=Penang to be First Cycling State |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-to-be-first-cycling-state/ |work=Buletin Mutiara}} {{As of|2021}}, LinkBike operated a fleet of 250 bicycles, available for rent from 29 stations throughout the city.

File:Penang_Hill_funicular_railway.jpg]]The first tramlines in George Town were established in the 1880s, connecting Weld Quay to Ayer Itam and Waterfall roads. The original tramline operated on a single-metre gauge and spanned a distance of {{Convert|7.5|miles|abbr=on}}, using both steam trams and horse-drawn carriages. However, the tram service faced challenges, including irregular frequencies, which hindered its ability to compete with cheaper rickshaws. Electric trams replaced horse-drawn and steam trams by 1906, and remained in service until 1936.

In Seberang Perai, a railway was built by 1899, connecting Bukit Mertajam and Perai. By 1902, this railway was integrated with Perak's rail network via Nibong Tebal, before being extended northward into Kedah. The line ultimately became part of the West Coast line, which traverses the length of western Peninsular Malaysia.{{Cite journal |last=Chan |first=Wai Yeap |title=The History of Bukit Mertajam (1800–1957): From Agrarian Town to Central Hub of Northern Malaya |url=https://www.academia.edu/25915163/The_History_of_Bukit_Mertajam_1800_1957_From_Agrarian_Town_to_Central_Hub_of_Northern_Malaya |journal=Penang Institute |via=Academia.edu}} The railway is currently operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM).

The Butterworth railway station is the primary terminal for northwestern Malaysia.{{Cite journal |date=Aug 1979 |title=Urban Transport Study in Greater Metropolitan Areas of George Town, Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam, Malaysia: Progress Report (Phase 1) |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/10597219.pdf |journal=Japan International Cooperation Agency |page=16}} Apart from regular KTM services, Butterworth is one of the main stops of the Eastern and Oriental Express service between Bangkok and Singapore.{{Cite web |last=Cripps |first=Karla |date=14 July 2023 |title=Famed luxury train is returning to Southeast Asia with two new routes |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/eastern-and-oriental-express-belmond-singapore-malaysia/index.html |access-date=15 October 2023 |publisher=CNN |language=en}} Other KTM stations within Seberang Perai include Tasek Gelugor, Bukit Tengah, Bukit Mertajam, Simpang Ampat and Nibong Tebal.{{Cite journal |date=Oct 2021 |title=Rancangan Fizikal Negara Keempat: Pelan Pengurusan Spatial Negeri |url=https://myplan.planmalaysia.gov.my/admin/uploads_publication/rancangan-fizikal-negara-keempat-rfn4-bab-7---ppsn-zon-utara-my-24112021.pdf |journal=Ministry of Local Government Development |language=ms |page=7-18}}

The Penang Hill Railway is a funicular railway that ascends to the peak of Penang Hill in George Town. Completed in 1923, it is the only operational funicular system in Malaysia.{{Cite news |date=17 February 2023 |title=Bukit Bendera funicular train has carried 47m passengers |url=https://thesun.my/home-news/bukit-bendera-funicular-train-has-carried-47m-passengers-GC10652150 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=The Sun}} The railway operates on some of the world's steepest gradients, with a slope angle of 27.9°.{{Cite news |last=Jeremy Tan |date=25 October 2023 |title=Funicular railway is Penang's symbol of achievement |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/10/25/states-symbol-of-achievement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210152443/https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/10/25/states-symbol-of-achievement |archive-date=10 December 2023 |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=The Star}} In 2022, the Penang Hill Railway recorded a ridership of 1.48 million passengers.

{{Wide image|cmglee_Penang_airport_and_second_bridge.jpg|800px|View of Penang International Airport and the Second Penang Bridge in 2017}}The Penang International Airport (PIA) is situated {{cvt|16|km}} south of downtown George Town. It is the main airport for northwestern Malaysia, with services to major regional cities including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Hong Kong, Xiamen, Shanghai, Doha and Dubai.{{Cite journal |title=Penang Tourism Master Plan 2021–2030 |url=https://gtwhi.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Penang-Tourism-Master-Plan-2021-2030-Report.pdf |journal=Penang state government |page=136 |isbn=978-967-19661-0-5}}{{Cite news |date=4 January 2024 |title=Tourism Minister: China Eastern Airlines to Introduce Nanjing to Kuching, Kota Kinabalu Direct Flights Earliest June |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/01/04/tourism-minister-china-eastern-airlines-to-introduce-nanjing-to-kuching-kota-kinabalu-direct-flights-earliest-june/110687 |access-date=7 January 2024 |work=Malay Mail}} PIA is the second busiest airport in Malaysia in terms of aircraft movements after Kuala Lumpur International Airport and recorded over 7.6 million passengers in 2024.{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=24 January 2025 |title=Penang airport ranks second in Malaysia for aircraft movements |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/24/penang-airport-ranks-second-in-malaysia-for-aircraft-movements/164452 |access-date=20 April 2025 |work=Malay Mail}} It is also Malaysia's second busiest in terms of cargo tonnage, handling more than {{Convert|103000|tonnes|abbr=on}} within the same year.{{Cite web |title=Statistic of Aviation Transport |url=https://www.mot.gov.my/en/aviation/reports/quarterly-statistics-of-transport |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Ministry of Transport}} Additionally, it managed the highest export value of all entry points nationwide, totalling RM365 billion in 2023.{{Cite journal |date=Jul 2024 |title=Final External Trade Statistics 2023 |journal=Department of Statistics Malaysia |pages=100 |issn=2180-1827}}

File:Port_of_Penang,_Seberang_Perai_2024.jpg was declared a Free Commercial Zone (FCZ) in 2021.{{Cite news |date=16 May 2021 |title=Free commercial zone status a game changer for Penang Port |url=https://thesun.my/business/free-commercial-zone-status-a-game-changer-for-penang-port-GG7866844 |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=The Sun}}]]

Penang was once a crucial British trading port, but its maritime trade saw a decline after George Town lost its free port status in 1969, coupled with the rise of Port Klang near Kuala Lumpur.{{Cite journal |last=Daniel Goh |first=P. S. |year=2014 |title=Between History and Heritage: Post-Colonialism, Globalisation, and the Remaking of Malacca, Penang and Singapore |url=http://profile.nus.edu.sg/fass/socgohd/trans_2.1.pdf |journal=Trans-Regional and -National Studies of Southeast Asia |pages=89–93}} Nevertheless, the Port of Penang remains the main harbour for northwestern Malaysia and southern Thailand.{{Cite news |last=Aznam Shah |first=Shaheera |date=25 January 2018 |title=Penang Port taps southern Thailand's booming economy |url=https://www.mmc.com.my/250118%20-%20Penang%20Port%20taps%20southern%20Thailand's%20booming%20economy.pdf |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=The Malaysian Reserve}} In 2024, it processed over 1.4 million TEUs of cargo, ranking it as the third busiest seaport in Malaysia.{{Cite web |title=Total Container Traffic |url=https://www.penangport.gov.my/en/port-performances/penang-port/total-container-traffic |access-date=20 February 2025 |website=Penang Port Commission}} The port includes the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT), the Perai Bulk Cargo Terminal (PBCT) and several smaller berthing facilities along the coast of Seberang Perai.{{Cite web |title=General Info |url=https://www.penangport.com.my/services/general-info |access-date=29 October 2024 |website=Port of Penang}}

File:Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal in George Town, Penang 2025.jpg off the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal in George Town.]]

Swettenham Pier, located within downtown George Town, accommodates cruise ships and serves as a key entry point into the city. In 2017, it recorded 125 port calls, surpassing Port Klang as the busiest cruise shipping terminal in Malaysia.{{Cite news |date=20 December 2017 |title=Swettenham Pier Surpasses Port Klang as Top Port of Call for Cruise Ships |url=https://thesun.my/archive/swettenham-pier-surpasses-port-klang-top-port-call-cruise-ships-BUARCH513414 |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=The Sun}} The pier is capable of accommodating some of the world's largest cruise liners, such as the Queen Mary 2, and hosts occasional visits from warships.{{Cite web |date=25 February 2015 |title=Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal A World Cruise Destination for Queen Mary 2 |url=https://www.penangport.com.my/media-center/announcements/february-2015/swettenham-pier-cruise-terminal-a-world-cruise-des |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=Port of Penang}}{{Cite news |date=30 September 2005 |title=US Navy Ship Calls at Penang |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2005/09/30/us-navy-ship-calls-at-penang/ |work=The Star}}

The cross-strait Penang ferry service is the oldest in Malaysia, originating from privately-run services established in 1894.{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=2 October 2024 |title=Final voyage: Iconic ferry 'Pulau Pinang' to make its journey across Penang Strait tomorrow, set for transformation into museum |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/02/final-voyage-iconic-ferry-pulau-pinang-to-make-its-journey-across-penang-strait-tomorrow-set-for-transformation-into-museum/152338#:~:text=The%20ferry%20service%20in%20Penang,replaced%20by%20fast%20speed%20boats. |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=Malay Mail}} It connects George Town and Seberang Perai, and was formerly the only transportation link between the island city and the mainland until the completion of the Penang Bridge in 1985.{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=8 December 2023 |title=Penang Port CEO Says Extra Ferry Open for Private Charter |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/08/penang-port-ceo-says-extra-ferry-open-for-private-charter/106574 |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=Malay Mail}} At present, four ferries ply the Penang Strait between both cities daily.

{{More|Mutiara line}}

In 1981, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) carried out a study focused on improving transportation infrastructure in Penang.{{Cite web |title=Mesyuarat Pertama Penggal Keempat Dewan Undangan Negeri Pulau Pinang Kesepuluh |url=https://adun.penang.gov.my/soalan/displayportal?soal_id=3553&pers_id=4 |access-date=29 October 2024 |website=Penang State Legislative Assembly}} Among others, the study recommended converting major roads into exclusive bus lanes, particularly along economically dense corridors connecting downtown George Town to Bayan Lepas and Butterworth to Bukit Mertajam. It also proposed the development of a new rail-based system linking downtown George Town with Bayan Lepas and Ayer Itam.{{Cite journal |year=1981 |title=Penang Urban Transport Study In Greater Metropolitan Areas |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/10596914_03.pdf |journal=Japan International Cooperation Agency |publisher=Japan International Cooperation Agency |page=5-14}}

Subsequent studies were conducted by Universiti Sains Malaysia and Halcrow Group between 1996 and 1997 to further assess infrastructure development strategies. In 2002, the Penang state government, then led by Chief Minister Koh Tsu Koon, proposed a RM2 billion monorail project for George Town. The proposed monorail project garnered support from successive Malaysian prime ministers Mahathir Mohamad and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.{{Cite news |date=12 January 2004 |title=Penang monorail project right on track |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digital_Content/Prominent_Leaders/Mahathir/News_1968-2004/2001-2005/2004/00123199.pdf |work=The Star |via=Perdana Library}}{{Cite journal |last=Gooi |first=Hsiao Leung |author-link=Gooi Hsiao Leung |title=Enabling Decentralisation and Improving Federal-State Relations in the Federation of Malaysia |url=https://penanginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/web_version_final.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Penang Institute |page=31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230082711/https://penanginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/web_version_final.pdf |archive-date=30 December 2023 |access-date=30 December 2023}} However, it was ultimately scrapped in 2008 after Pakatan Rakyat (predecessor to Pakatan Harapan) wrested control of Penang in the state election that year.{{Cite news |date=25 June 2008 |title=Penang's monorail, Porr projects shelved |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/85072 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=Malaysiakini}}

Newly elected Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng subsequently sought to address the underinvestment in transportation across Penang.{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=27 June 2019 |title=So what exactly is the Penang Transport Master Plan and how is it being funded? |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/06/27/so-what-exactly-is-the-penang-transport-master-plan-and-how-is-it-being-fun/1765894 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=Malay Mail}}{{Cite book |last1=Ooi |first1=Kee Beng |title=Pilot Studies for a New Penang |last2=Goh |first2=Ban Lee |publisher=ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute |year=2010 |isbn=9789814279697 |page=123}} The situation was exacerbated by a high rate of car ownership and worsening traffic congestion in the state. {{As of|2020}}, Penang had 2,772,378 private vehicles for a population of 1,740,405, resulting in a ratio of 1.59 vehicles per person.{{Cite journal |date=February 2024 |title=MyCensus 2020: Mukim/Town/Pekan |journal=Department of Statistics Malaysia |location=Putrajaya |pages=174–175 |isbn=9789672537069}}{{Cite journal |year=2021 |title=Malaysia transportation statistics 2020 |url=https://www.mot.gov.my/en/Statistik%20Tahunan%20Pengangkutan/Transport%20Statistics%20Malaysia%202020.pdf |journal=Ministry of Transport |page=27 |issn=0128-2778}} Traffic congestion was particularly severe along the downtown George Town{{En dash}}Bayan Lepas corridor, where average daily traffic reached 64,144 vehicles in 2018.

In 2009, the state government appointed a committee to develop a new transportation masterplan for the entire state. Two years later, AJC Planning Consultants, in partnership with Halcrow Group and Singapore Cruise Centre, were tasked with conducting new studies for this masterplan. Halcrow presented its findings in 2012, which included strategies for public transport, highway development, an accessibility report and recommendations for institutional reforms. These findings laid the groundwork for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), which proposed a RM10 billion light rapid transit (LRT) system and trams, as well as three new highways and an undersea tunnel to connect George Town and Seberang Perai.{{Cite news |last=Azhar |first=Kamarul |date=27 August 2020 |title=Cover Story: The long & winding saga of the Penang Transport Master Plan and its political fallout |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/cover-story-long-winding-saga-penang-transport-master-plan-and-its-political-fallout |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=The Edge}}

In 2015, the Bayan Lepas LRT was announced, alongside the appointment of SRS Consortium as the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) for the PTMP.{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=14 August 2015 |title=Local consortium wins bid for RM27b Penang transportation plan |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2015/08/14/local-consortium-wins-bid-for-rm27b-penang-transportation-plan/951679 |access-date=31 March 2024 |work=Malay Mail}}{{Cite news |last=Yimie Yong |date=2 December 2015 |title=Penang LRT construction work to start in 2018 |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/penang-lrt-construction-work-start-2018 |access-date=31 March 2024 |work=The Edge}} Since public transportation comes under the purview of the Malaysian federal government, the state government submitted the proposed system to the federal Ministry of Transport for approval in 2016.{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Sin Chow |date=2 April 2016 |title=Penang rolls out LRT scheme |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/04/02/penang-rolls-out-lrt-scheme-plans-submitted-to-spad-for-green-light/ |access-date=31 March 2024 |work=The Star}}{{Cite news |date=19 June 2017 |title=Cost of Penang's transport master plan has not surged: Chow |url=https://thesun.my/archive/cost-penangs-transport-master-plan-has-not-surged-chow-0-HTARCH454329 |access-date=31 March 2024 |work=The Sun}} However, due to political tensions between the federal and state governments, the proposed LRT line only secured federal funding in 2023, under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration.{{Cite news |last=McIntyre |first=Ian |date=6 May 2023 |title=Putrajaya to provide additional funds for Penang's LRT: Anwar |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/91985/putrajaya-to-provide-additional-funds-for-penangs-lrt-anwar |access-date=29 March 2024 |work=The Vibes}} The Bayan Lepas LRT was subsequently renamed the Mutiara LRT after the federal government assumed control of the project from the state.{{Cite news |date=29 March 2024 |title=Loke: Federal gov't takes over Penang LRT Mutiara Line project from state gov't |url=https://thesun.my/local_news/loke-federal-gov-t-takes-over-penang-lrt-mutiara-line-project-from-state-gov-t-JG12275905 |access-date=29 March 2024 |work=The Sun}}{{Cite news |last=Azhar |first=Kamarul |date=19 September 2023 |title=Government committed to both MRT3 and Penang LRT, says MOT |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/682032 |access-date=29 March 2024 |work=The Edge}} Construction of the line, the first domestic light rail system outside the Klang Valley, commenced in 2025 and is expected to be complete by 2031.{{Cite news |last=Hilmy |first=Imran |date=11 January 2025 |title=PM Anwar officiates Penang's Mutiara Line LRT project groundbreaking ceremony |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/11/pm-anwar-officiates-penang039s-mutiara-line-lrt-project-groundbreaking-ceremony |access-date=11 January 2025 |work=The Star}}

In 2019, then federal Minister of Finance Lim Guan Eng announced a cable car system to complement the existing Penang Hill Railway, which had seen a ridership of 1.74 million in 2018.{{Cite news |last=Nambiar |first=Predeep |date=16 October 2019 |title=Penang mulls Botanic Gardens-Penang Hill cable car project |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/10/16/penang-mulls-botanic-gardens-penang-hill-cable-car-project/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419092346/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/10/16/penang-mulls-botanic-gardens-penang-hill-cable-car-project/ |archive-date=19 April 2024 |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=Free Malaysia Today}} This proposal aimed to reduce reliance on the railway.{{Cite news |last=Opalyn Mok |date=11 October 2019 |title=RM100m cable car allocation will spur Penang's tourism sector, says Penang Hill Corporation |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/10/11/rm100m-cable-car-allocation-will-spur-penangs-tourism-sector-says-penang-hi/1799483 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419092324/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/10/11/rm100m-cable-car-allocation-will-spur-penangs-tourism-sector-says-penang-hi/1799483 |archive-date=19 April 2024 |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=Malay Mail}}{{Cite news |last=Nambiar |first=Predeep |date=3 February 2024 |title=RM245mil Penang cable car project gets EIA approval |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/03/rm245mil-penang-cable-car-project-gets-eia-approval/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419092327/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/03/rm245mil-penang-cable-car-project-gets-eia-approval/ |archive-date=19 April 2024 |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=Free Malaysia Today}} However, a political crisis in 2020 led to the cancellation of federal funds for the project.{{Cite news |last=Nasir |first=Sofia |date=11 January 2021 |title=State opens RFP for RM150 mil Penang Hill cable car project |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/13333/state-opens-rfp-for-rm150-mil-penang-hill-cable-car-project |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419092346/https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/13333/state-opens-rfp-for-rm150-mil-penang-hill-cable-car-project |archive-date=19 April 2024 |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=The Vibes}} Despite this, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow pushed ahead with formulating a public–private partnership framework for the proposed system.{{Cite journal |date=14 December 2022 |title=Press Statement by the Chief Minister of Penang YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow: Penang Hill Cable Car Project Request for Proposal (RFP) Awarded |url=https://corporate.penanghill.gov.my/images/images/Press_Release/2022/ENG_-_PENANG_HILL_CABLE_CAR_PROJECT_-_REQUEST_FOR_PROPOSAL_RFP_AWARDED.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Penang Hill |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216204911/https://corporate.penanghill.gov.my/images/images/Press_Release/2022/ENG_-_PENANG_HILL_CABLE_CAR_PROJECT_-_REQUEST_FOR_PROPOSAL_RFP_AWARDED.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2024 |access-date=19 April 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Trisha |first=N. |date=15 December 2022 |title=Penang Hill cable car project gets okay |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/12/15/cable-car-project-gets-okay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309023800/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/12/15/cable-car-project-gets-okay |archive-date=9 March 2024 |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=The Star}} The cable car project eventually gained approval from federal environmental regulators in 2024. Construction of the Penang Hill cable car system has commenced and is anticipated to be complete by 2026.{{Cite news |date=29 June 2024 |title=PM Anwar stresses cultural and environmental considerations for new Penang Hill cable car project |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/06/29/pm-anwar-stresses-cultural-and-environmental-considerations-for-new-penang-cable-car/142080 |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Malay Mail}}

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