GEORGE TOWN: Penang's first 15 electric buses will begin operations today, with the full fleet of 75 expected to be deployed by March next year.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the first batch of Rapid Penang electric buses marked a step towards greener public transport, with the remaining vehicles to be delivered in stages until March 2027.

"This is a new chapter for Penang's public transport system with the introduction of electric buses, which are more environmentally friendly," he said at the launch ceremony.

Loke said the initiative was part of Rapid's gradual transition to electric buses and would support Penang's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.