FIRST, it was said to be RM3.6 billion, then RM4.3 billion, now it’s nearly RM4.6 billion, and it could eventually even exceed RM5 billion. The estimated cost of constructing the second Penang bridge keeps getting higher, yet nothing is being done to stem what will ultimately be a drain on the public’s pockets.

It has been reported that the bridge will now cost some RM4.585 billion. Thanks to a “price fluctuation clause” in the construction contract, the figure can — and likely will, given today’s relentless inflationary trend — go on to breach the RM5 billion mark in the near future.

In the end, it will be left to the public to pick up the tab in the form of astronomical toll rates. The first bridge was constructed at the cost of RM800 million and the toll rate today is RM7. One can just imagine what the toll rate for the second bridge will be since the cost of constructing the bridge is five times more.

The Consumers Association of Penang has long maintained that a second bridge is not the best answer to Penang’s traffic woes. We believe this to be the case even more so now, in view of the repeated cost hikes plaguing the project.

At a time when the fuel price increase has highlighted the need for efficient public transport, building a bridge to cater largely to private cars appears to be a wrong-headed option.

Funds allocated for the bridge would be much better spent on improving the public transport system in Penang. The existing ferry service between Penang island and Seberang Perai should be upgraded. If needed, a third cross-channel link could take the shape of a light rail system. The RapidPenang bus service, which has reported an increase in passenger numbers after the fuel price hike, should have more buses added to its fleet. In addition, the tram service could be reintroduced to the streets of Penang.

Focusing on public transport also makes much more sense from an environmental standpoint, given the adverse ecological effects of petrol-guzzling private cars.

This alone should be cause enough for the authorities to stop the second bridge project. If not, we can think of another five billion reasons why they ought to reconsider their plans.

S.M. MOHAMED IDRIS for Consumers Association of Penang

Source: NST – July 9, 2008