GEORGE TOWN: THERE will be less frequent service during Hari Raya week as many of the bus drivers go on leave for the festive season.
Rapid Penang said commuters could expect bus service to be less frequent by 10 to 15 per cent from today until Aug 2.
The drivers who will be on duty, meanwhile, are happy to continue serving the commuters just like any other day.
“Instead of feeling left out of the festivities, I’m happy to be on duty,” said Amirin Din, 46, a senior bus driver scheduled to work on the first day of Syawal.
Amirin has been with Rapid Penang for six years.
“My family is very supportive of my job. They understand that the job comes first,” he said.
Mohammad Emran Adbullah, 36, who has also been employed in the company for six years, said it was possible to juggle work and family time.
“I have a duty to the commuters of Penang,” said Emran, a father of four.
Nor Suraya Sufian Tan, one of the 13 female bus drivers, said she enjoyed meeting and chatting with the passengers.
“I get to savour Raya dishes such as nasi briyani and I even receive Raya packets from the passengers who value my service.
“The passengers’ sharing of food with me means a lot to me. They are uplifting. I can feel the 1Malaysia spirit,” said the lady driver who has been with the company for three years.
For bus routes and schedules, consult the Intelligent Commuter Information System (ICIS).
ICIS operates daily from 5.30am to midnight. The number to call is 04-238 1313.