Penang Hill’s new funicular train to be ready in July

The RM60mil project on a new funicular train system for Penang Hill is expected to be completed by July next year.

The new system, which is more safe, low maintenance and cost effective, is able to fetch up to 80 people per trip in about 10 minutes non-stop.

Currently, the 82-year-old system can only take 60 people per 30-minute trip and passengers have to get down at the middle station to take another coach up the hill.

This had resulted in the public having to wait up to a few hours for the train during peak periods, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said the new system would be more comfortable and convenient as the change half-way up the hil was a hassle for passengers on rainy days.

“The new coach is air-conditioned with a glass roof that allows travellers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the hill’’.