It is amazing, almost incredible, that such an expensive new bridge lacks the necessary road signs to encourage road users to use it. I am also surprised that so far, I have yet to hear of complaints about this lack of road signs leading to the bridge to get out of Penang island. Just imagine there is still no publicity, let alone information, on how to find the way to the second bridge. Even the Tourism information counter at Penang airport could only give directions when asked, and the man just shrugged his shoulders when asked why there are no info on directions to the second bridge.
My second attempt at finding the Penang second bridge from Penang airport
My first attempt was a disaster, as I skipped the first turning at the roundabout outside Penang airport (sign shows Balik Pulau), tried the second and ended up in Relau, and then tried the last which took me to the old Penang bridge!
Last, Saturday, while waiting for Cheng to arrive, I asked man at Tourism info counter on how to get to the second bridge. His reply was pretty straightforward (so I thought): 'On your way out, take the left turn at the roundabout, then at the traffic lights, turn left.'
When we got to the traffic lights junction, there was indeed a left turn just before it but we did not take it, thinking it led to some housing estate. Then we saw two trailers turned into the road and we thought we should have. Continuing on the road straight ahead, we had our doubts as it was a narrow stretch too, until we came to another traffic lights junction. Here, at least we were reassured by a sign indicating the way to 'Jambatan Sultan Halim...' But as we continued, no more reassuring signs at a few road junctions! Basically, we are left to our own devices, using our own judgment and common sense. We were pretty sure the route wasn't the route where we came via the second bridge before.
To sum up, it is ludicrous that after the opening of such an expensive and well constructed bridge, there are no proper road signs leading drivers back to it. It was so straightforward joining it from the NSE. It would seem, the bridge is meant only for 'Penang lang' or Penang folks, and not for tourists from other states or countries.
We were under the impression any driver can pay and go into Penang via old or new bridge and return free of charge taking either one. We were right. But for the first time, when we saw toll booths, we thought we had to pay again, but it turned out those were actually PLUS entry booths to join the NSE.
One thing which I have yet to confirm is the rate payable for vehicles with 'twin-axle' like the pickup trucks Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton and so on. At the old bridge, such vehicles need to pay Rm12 instead of Rm7 for ordinary passenger cars. But at the new bridge, the rate difference is much greater at over Rm30 instead of Rm8.50. I wouldn't want to try using such a vehicle without first confirming the rate applicable, because of the big difference.
Link
My second attempt at finding the Penang second bridge from Penang airport
My first attempt was a disaster, as I skipped the first turning at the roundabout outside Penang airport (sign shows Balik Pulau), tried the second and ended up in Relau, and then tried the last which took me to the old Penang bridge!
Last, Saturday, while waiting for Cheng to arrive, I asked man at Tourism info counter on how to get to the second bridge. His reply was pretty straightforward (so I thought): 'On your way out, take the left turn at the roundabout, then at the traffic lights, turn left.'
When we got to the traffic lights junction, there was indeed a left turn just before it but we did not take it, thinking it led to some housing estate. Then we saw two trailers turned into the road and we thought we should have. Continuing on the road straight ahead, we had our doubts as it was a narrow stretch too, until we came to another traffic lights junction. Here, at least we were reassured by a sign indicating the way to 'Jambatan Sultan Halim...' But as we continued, no more reassuring signs at a few road junctions! Basically, we are left to our own devices, using our own judgment and common sense. We were pretty sure the route wasn't the route where we came via the second bridge before.
To sum up, it is ludicrous that after the opening of such an expensive and well constructed bridge, there are no proper road signs leading drivers back to it. It was so straightforward joining it from the NSE. It would seem, the bridge is meant only for 'Penang lang' or Penang folks, and not for tourists from other states or countries.
We were under the impression any driver can pay and go into Penang via old or new bridge and return free of charge taking either one. We were right. But for the first time, when we saw toll booths, we thought we had to pay again, but it turned out those were actually PLUS entry booths to join the NSE.
One thing which I have yet to confirm is the rate payable for vehicles with 'twin-axle' like the pickup trucks Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton and so on. At the old bridge, such vehicles need to pay Rm12 instead of Rm7 for ordinary passenger cars. But at the new bridge, the rate difference is much greater at over Rm30 instead of Rm8.50. I wouldn't want to try using such a vehicle without first confirming the rate applicable, because of the big difference.
2 comments:
Do not waste your time. Look for another job.
Anonymous, what do you mean?
Post a Comment