Sunday, May 18, 2008

Bloggers Launch "Penangites For Trams" Campaign


Today, Several Penang based bloggers and websites simultaneously launched a "Penangites For Trams" campaign.

We hope more and more bloggers and webmasters - especially all those care for Penang - will join in the campaign by placing these graphics on their blogs or website. You may link the graphic to the URL for this post or choose to link to any other article or post extolling the benefits of trams.

This will help to raise awareness of the viability and economic benefits of trams. Of course,trams work best as part of an integrated public transport system, complementing an efficient and extensive network of buses.

Fittingly, the lastest issue of business weekly THE EDGE carries a full-page article in support of the re-introduction of trams in Penang.

Join in the campaign and pass the word around.

In case you are wondering what advantages trams bring, here's a list from the CITY OF ENDINBURGH COUNCIL WEBSITE.

BENEFITS OF TRAMS

The number of residents, visitors and businesses are expanding, especially in key areas such as
the Waterfront and west Edinburgh.

While growth is good for our economy, it also means our
roads will get busier and longer journeys longer without a new transport choice. Trams can carry large numbers of people quickly and efficiently.

Trams don't take up alot of road space but they do carry alot of people. As Endinburgh continues to grow, trams will be the most efficient way for people to travel about our city.

  1. Trams show a city is modern and well-connected place to do business which can lead to more investment, new jobs, regeneration and more prosperity for all of us.
  2. Trams are an attractive option for motorists, with car users likely to be attracted to tram travel. Research shows 20% peak hour and 50% weekend tram passengers in the UK previously travelled by car.
  3. Trams enhance the urban environment and generate civic pride.
  4. Trams will encourage shoppers to travel to the city centre which can lead to more investment by businesses and regeneration. Dublin saw a rise between 20%-50% in pedestrian footfall figures on Grafton Street, the city's main shopping thoroughfare. Some retailers reported 25% increase in trade.
  5. Residential and commercial properties may see prices increase beside tram routes. In some cities with trams, house prices risen by up to 15% and rental prices by up to 7%.
  6. As trams run on electricity, there will be no emissions from vehicles themselves.
  7. Trams will be accessible to everyone, with benefits of low level boardings at every stop and other easy to use features which particulary help the disabled and less mobile.
  8. Trams will be safe to use as, in addition to a driver, every tram will have a passenger attendant on board to check tickets, answer passenger queries and ensure no anti-social behaviour occurs.
  9. Trams will offer concessionary fares.


Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng must do something big such as the tram project or any projects to make the traffic flow goes smooth in Penang or else this will be a failure to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.........We are Waiting For Your Response.

"Majulah Pulau Pinang Untuk Negara"

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