Penang Hill’s new train service to start Monday, fares announced (Update#1)

TRANSIT took note of this story in the Star announcing the re-start date of the upgraded Penang Hill Railway.

Fares (based on a return ticket) are now:

• RM30 (Non-Malaysian adult)
• RM15 (Non-Malaysian child)
• RM8 (Malaysian adult)
• RM4 (Malaysian child)
• RM4 (Malaysian Senior Citizen “Warga Emas” & Students)

Malaysians with OKU card can use the train for free. There are also 1 way ticket options available.

Penang Hill’s new train service to start Monday, fares announced (The Star)
21 April 2011

GEORGE TOWN: The new Penang Hill funicular train service will be opened to the public from April 25.

Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) director Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the train will run for charity for the first six days until April 30.

“For a contribution of RM10 (return ticket), you can enjoy a 10-minute ride on Penang Hill’s new funicular train.

“The proceeds from the charity sale of tickets will be channelled to the Penang State Welfare for donation to the underprivileged identified by the state government,” said Lee, adding that children below the age of 12 years could enjoy the ride for free during the period.

Lee was speaking to reporters in a press conference here Thursday to announce the new train fares effective May 1.

For Malaysians, the fare for a return ticket is RM8 per adult and RM4 per child aged between three and 12.

[TRANSIT notes that fares before the upgrade were RM4 and RM2 – meaning this is a 100% increase – but the trip time has been more than cut in half and the train is air conditioned. So is it a fare trade, higher fares but better service?]

Senior citizens will enjoy cheaper fares at RM4 per person.

The ride continues to remain free of charge for disabled persons holding the OKU card.

Also unchanged are the fares for Penang Hill residents, licensed traders and hawkers and workers, who can purchase monthly season pass at RM24.

The blue, air-conditioned Swiss-made coaches, capable of ferrying up to 100 passengers at one go, will run every half hour from 6.30am to 9pm daily.

The new RM73mil system replaces the 87-year-old funicular railway, which was closed in February last year.

TRANSIT Says:

TRANSIT is happy to see that another project on the way to being declared “finished” and service on a major public transport route in Penang (especially but not just for tourists) is once again available to the public.

And while we lament the loss of the original Penang Hill Railway (and some lament the 100% increase in fares) we appreciate the improvements and are pleased to note that components of the original railway will be maintained and reused.

We invite anyone who is in Penang and can take a trip on the railway to please share your experience with us.