Penang Hill Train Service Delayed
GEORGE TOWN: The new Penang Hill funicular train service, which was expected to resume this month, has been delayed until at least March as the authorities are still carrying out safety tests.
A source said the new train was being tested and the service fine-tuned to ensure that it was fully operational.
“We are in the final stage now and the progress is smooth,” he said.
It was earlier reported that the RM63mil upgrading project of the funicular train service was expected to be completed last December or this month. The project, undertaken by the Tourism Ministry, had started in February last year to improve services after the previous 87-year-old train frequently broke down.
Getting the feel of it: The public trying out the new coaches during the soft launch of the train service upgrading project at Air Itam, Penang, in November last year.
Upon completion, users will see two new Swiss-made air-conditioned coaches that could carry 50 people each with commuting time of 10 minutes for one way.
Under the new system, commuters can reach the hilltop in a single ride instead of changing trains at the middle station. It will also be more user-friendly for the elderly, disabled and children.
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