GEORGE TOWN: Rapid Penang has begun a two-day trial of electric buses as part of preparations to introduce low-carbon public transport in the state.
The trial follows similar sessions by Rapid KL and forms part of Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd's efforts to replace its existing fleet with safer, more sustainable vehicles while improving operational efficiency.
Two electric buses from different manufacturers — a 12-metre Foton bus and an 8.25-metre Golden Dragon bus — will be tested on selected routes to assess their real-world suitability.
The evaluation will focus on route compatibility, traffic performance, energy consumption, charging efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort.
Rapid Bus chief executive officer Syahrul Azmir Ahmad Zaki said the trial marks a crucial step toward launching Penang's first electric buses.
