GEORGE TOWN — 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.