Paying Bus Fare In Penang: A Quick Guide

If you're looking to get around Penang, the Rapid Penang bus service is a safe, affordable, and comfortable option. This guide will take you through the various ways to pay your bus fare.

Payment methods: cash only, with exact change required

When taking the bus in Penang, it's important to remember that the payment methods are cash only, and you will need to have the exact change required, as bus drivers do not give change. This is because the cash you pay is slotted into a locked metal box for security reasons.

The bus fare depends on the distance of your journey. Shorter trips of less than 7km will cost RM1.40, while journeys over 35km will cost RM5. Fares are half-price for Malaysian senior citizens (or international senior citizens on the MM2H visa) and children aged 7-12. Children under 6 travel for free.

If you're planning on taking multiple bus journeys during your time in Penang, it may be worth purchasing a Rapid Penang travel pass. The Rapid Passport costs RM30 per week and offers unlimited travel on the buses. This can be purchased from Rapid kiosks at major hubs such as KOMTAR, Jetty, and Balik Pulau, but not on board the buses.

There is also a Mutiara Pass available for RM10, which contains RM5 credit. You scan the card when you get on the bus, and it will deduct RM5, then scan it again when you get off, and it will return RM5 to you. This pass is only valid for one month, and you will need to renew it at a Rapid Penang kiosk before the expiry date.

Fares: calculated by distance, with discounts for children and seniors

Fares for Penang buses are calculated based on the distance travelled. Shorter trips of less than 7km are priced at RM1.40, while journeys over 35km can cost up to RM5. These fares are subject to discounts for specific groups, such as children and senior citizens.

Children under 6 years of age can ride Penang buses for free. For children aged 7 to 12, fares are available at half price, which equates to RM0.70 for trips under 7km and RM2.50 for longer journeys exceeding 35km. Similarly, senior citizens aged 60 and above, both local and international (on the MM2H visa), are entitled to a 50% discount on bus fares. This discount applies to the standard fare, resulting in RM0.70 for short trips and RM2.50 for longer ones.

It is important to note that discounts are not automatically applied, and eligible passengers must present valid identification to avail of the reduced fare. For instance, senior citizens may need to show their MM2H visa or other relevant documentation.

In addition to the standard fare system, Penang also offers travel passes that may provide better value for frequent travellers or those planning multiple long-distance journeys. The Rapid Passport, available for RM30 per week, offers unlimited travel on Rapid Penang buses. This pass is ideal for tourists, both local and foreign, who plan to use the bus service extensively during their stay. However, it is worth noting that the pass is not available for purchase on board and must be bought from Rapid kiosks at major hubs like KOMTAR, Jetty, and Balik Pulau.

Travel passes: available for tourists, students, and senior citizens

The Penang state government has implemented the Unlimited Travel Pass, known as the Mutiara Pass, which allows users to utilise Rapid Penang bus services throughout the state at any time. This pass was previously a paid monthly subscription but is now free for all commuters. The pass is available to both local and foreign tourists and can be obtained from the Rapid kiosks at major hubs such as KOMTAR, Jetty, and Balik Pulau. The Mutiara Pass is valid for all Rapid Penang bus services, including the new cross-strait bus service connecting the island to Bukit Mertajam on the mainland. This service is expected to benefit those commuting across the Penang Bridge for work, with trips running from 6 to 9 am on weekdays and resuming at 4:50 pm, with the last bus departing at 7 pm from Bukit Mertajam and 7:25 pm from Komtar. On weekends, the service frequency is reduced to hourly trips.

In addition to the Mutiara Pass, Rapid Penang offers a travel pass called the Rapid Passport, tailored specifically for tourists. This pass costs RM30 per week and provides unlimited travel for seven days. It can be purchased from Rapid kiosks at major hubs but is not available for onboard purchase. The Rapid Passport is a convenient option for tourists planning to use the bus frequently or for longer journeys, as it eliminates the need to worry about having the correct change.

For Malaysian senior citizens and international senior citizens on the MM2H visa, bus fares are offered at half price. Similarly, children aged 7-12 years old are also eligible for half-priced tickets, while kids under 6 years old can ride for free. These discounted fares apply to all Rapid Penang bus services and can be availed by purchasing tickets directly from the bus driver when boarding. It is important to note that payment for these tickets must be made in cash, as credit cards are not accepted, and no change is given.

Where to buy: passes from kiosks at hubs, tickets from the driver

If you're a casual or infrequent user of Penang buses, you can buy a ticket from the driver when you board. Tell them your destination, and they will calculate the price based on the distance. Shorter trips of less than 7km cost RM1.40, and the price goes up to RM5 for journeys over 35km. Fares are half-price for Malaysian senior citizens (or international senior citizens on the MM2H visa) and children aged 7-12. Kids under 6 travel for free.

It's worth noting that, except for travel passes, payments must be made in cash, and no change is given. Drivers don't carry cash, and you'll need to put your notes and coins into a locked metal box. So, it's important to have the correct change before you board.

If you're planning to use the bus frequently, you may want to consider purchasing a travel pass. Rapid Penang offers a travel pass called the Rapid Passport, tailored for local and foreign tourists. For RM30 per week, you get unlimited travel around Penang. You can buy this pass from Rapid kiosks at major hubs like KOMTAR, Jetty, and Balik Pulau, but not on board the buses.

There are also other passes available, aimed at Malaysian residents. These are either for longer periods than most visitors would need or restricted to Malaysian nationals.

Bus company: Rapid Penang, with a free shuttle in George Town

Fares

Rapid Penang buses require cash payment, with no change given. Fares depend on the distance travelled. Shorter trips of less than 7km cost RM1.40, while journeys over 35km cost RM5. Fares are half-price for senior citizens (Malaysian or international with an MM2H visa) and children aged 7-12. Children under 6 travel for free.

Passes

Rapid Penang offers a 'Rapid Passport' weekly pass for RM30, which can be purchased from Rapid kiosks at major hubs (e.g. KOMTAR, Jetty, and Balik Pulau). This pass offers unlimited travel around Penang and is a good option if you plan to take multiple long-distance journeys, such as from George Town to Balik Palau or the airport to Penang National Park.

Free Shuttle in George Town

The Central Area Transit (CAT) Bus Service, operated by Rapid Penang, provides a free shuttle service in George Town. This service covers a loop from the Jetty to Penang Road and back, including stops at Little India, St George's Church, museums, The Blue Mansion, KOMTAR, Khoo Kongsi, the Esplanade, and Fort Cornwallis. The shuttle runs from 6 am to 11:45 pm every 10-15 minutes, making it a convenient option for getting around George Town.

Frequently asked questions