Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal Explained

Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
Native Name:
Native Name Lang:MS
Type:Bus station
Address:Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, George Town
Coordinates:5.3432°N 100.3005°W
Owned:Penang Island City Council
Operator:UDA Holdings
Structure:At-grade
Parking:Available with payment
Accessible:Y
Services:Rapid Penang
Intercity buses
Taxis

The Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal is a bus station in George Town within the Malaysian state of Penang. Built in 2004, the terminal serves as the main intercity bus hub for the city, with services to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, along with Rapid Penang public transit services. Spanning an area of 42112square feet, the terminal, owned by the Penang Island City Council, has a capacity of 1,000. It is also slated to form part of the proposed Mutiara LRT system.

History

The Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal was constructed in 2004 and officially opened to the public in April 2005, serving as a hub for intercity and transit bus services.[1] [2] [3] In the years after its launch, the terminal faced challenges such as complaints about touts and insufficient amenities.[4] [5]

In 2021, Easybook, an online transport service provider, was granted a contract to revamp the terminal. The refurbishment included the integration of universal design amenities, implementation of automated ticketing systems and other infrastructure improvements.[6] The upgrade project was completed in 2024 with a total cost of RM7 million, an increase from the initial estimate of RM6.2 million. UDA Holdings was appointed to manage the terminal, with plans to introduce retail spaces within the facility.

The terminal is also set to be part of the proposed Mutiara LRT line, which envisions a transit-oriented development around the terminal including a new train station and a maintenance depot at a nearby public space.[7] [8]

Public transport

Rapid Penang operates five bus routes through the terminal, connecting it with various parts of George Town.[9]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: 14 May 2024 . UDA expands business, operates Sungai Nibong bus terminal . 16 Sep 2024 . New Straits Times.
  2. News: Hilmy . Imran . 23 May 2024 . Commuters pleased with upgraded bus terminal . 16 Sep 2024 . The Star.
  3. News: 7 Nov 2019 . Rep: Sungai Nibong bus terminal needs upgrading . 16 Sep 2024 . The Star.
  4. News: 5 Apr 2019 . Penang bus operators cry foul over ‘touts’ at terminal . 16 Sep 2024 . Free Malaysia Today.
  5. News: 13 Mar 2023 . Uplifting makeover for Sg Nibong bus terminal . 16 Sep 2024 . The Star.
  6. News: Farahin Hameddy . Nurul Hawa . 14 May 2024 . New user-friendly facilities for the disabled and elderly at Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal . 16 Sep 2024 . Buletin Mutiara.
  7. News: 29 Mar 2024 . Construction of Penang LRT project expected to begin in September or October . 16 Sep 2024 . The Sun.
  8. News: Tern Chern . Lo . 25 Jul 2024 . Sungai Nibong envisioned as future state transit hub . 16 Sep 2024 . The Star.
  9. Web site: Rapid Penang - Bus . 2024-07-21 . MyRapid . en-US.