GEORGE TOWN, Oct 17 — Rapid Penang began operating its first 15 electric buses today, marking the start of its transition towards an electric bus fleet, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke today.

“There will be new buses arriving every month to complete Rapid Penang’s fleet of 75 buses by March next year,” he told a press conference after launching the service at the Rapid Penang Depot in Weld Quay here.

He said the initial fleet comprises 14 buses measuring 8.25 metres and one measuring 12 metres.

“The shorter buses make it easier to travel, particularly on the island, where they can enter narrower roads and more densely populated areas,” he said.

Loke linked the rollout to Penang’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“This is part of the public transport sector’s contribution towards a more environmentally friendly state,” he said.

According to a statement issued by Rapid Bus, the first procurement phase involved 250 electric buses across Rapid Penang and Rapid KL, with 175 allocated to the latter.

At the press conference, Loke clarified that the estimated RM200 million investment covered all 250 buses under this phase.

The procurement is divided into two delivery stages to coordinate the arrival of buses with charging infrastructure readiness and depot requirements.

Under the first stage, Loke said Rapid Penang would receive 40 buses and Rapid KL 110.

Deliveries began in June and are scheduled to be completed by December 31.

He said the second stage involved another 35 buses for Penang and 65 for Rapid KL, with deliveries expected to begin in January and finish by March 2027.

Loke said 150 charging units had been installed at nine depots, including three in Penang, to support the first delivery stage.

Another 100 charging units are planned at six depots, including two in Penang, for the second stage, he added.

He said they have received 52 electric buses for both Rapid KL and Rapid Penang as of October 13.

He explained that the phased introduction would allow it to monitor performance, reliability and maintenance requirements to ensure service continuity.

The buses are equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System, which provides driving assistance and alerts to bus captains.

The buses are also equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, which produces external warning sounds to alert pedestrians and other road users, particularly at low speeds.

Loke said the rollout forms part of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad’s plan to acquire 1,600 electric buses between 2026 and 2031 to replace part of the existing diesel fleet across Rapid Penang and Rapid KL.

In his speech, Loke also outlined the bus operator’s future role alongside the Mutiara Line LRT.

“Rapid Penang, as the stage bus operator in Penang, must play a supporting role to ensure first- and last-mile connections are improved and complement this transport system,” he said.