Central Area Transit (or CAT, as it's fondly called) is a free shuttle service that picks you up from the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, travels along major streets in George Town and drops you off at designated bus stops that are mere walking distance to major attractions.
For a shuttle bus adventure in George Town, here’s where you should hop on and hop off:
Station 1: Pengkalan Weld
Here’s where George Town’s main bus terminal is located and this marks the first stop of the CAT route. For a view of Swettenham Pier and Chulia Street Pier, try to snag a seat on the left side of the bus.
Station 4: Imigresen
Banks, commercial buildings and administrative offices reside within the British colonial buildings. Station 4 is located at the end of Lebuh Pantai, where the police station is, so hop off and admire these buildings up close. There's also a good lunch spot at the nearby Sri Weld Food Court.
Station 5: Bank Negara
If you're in a hurry to visit the City Hall, Town Hall, Fort Cornwallis and War Memorial, hop off here. Or wait for the bus to complete its round till Station 17 where these attractions are situated nearby.
Station 7: Lebuh Muntri
If you enjoy a great amount of strolling, stop by at Station 7 for attractions like St. Francis Xavier’s Church and Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion. You could visit an age-old Christian Cemetery nearby too.
Station 9: KOMTAR Pusat
KOMTAR also provides buses to off-route journeys such as Batu Ferringhi, Bayan Lepas, Balik Pulau and more. KOMTAR currently serves as an administrative office for the Penang State Government and houses an ICT Digital Mall where affordable gadgets and tech goods are sold. For more shopping, take KOMTAR's link bridge to Prangin Mall and 1st Avenue Mall.
Station 11: Jalan Kedah*
Durian and cheesecake lovers must hop-off here! As you get off, carry-on walking straight down the road and make a stop at Moody Cow Café. Famous for cheesecakes with a smorgasbord of quirky flavours, their durian cheesecake is a definite must-try; and for the adventurous, their salted egg and century egg cheesecakes are perfect choices!
*No stops made at bus stop no.10.
Station 12: Jalan Chowrasta
For nutmegs, tau sar pneah and fresh pickles, Station 12 is located right at the entrance of Chowrasta Market. There are also a couple of second-hand bookshops located on the first floor of the market that is filled with biographies, paperback novels and even, old comics. Don’t forget to set aside 15 minutes for a bowl of cendol at Penang Famous Teochew Chendul on Lebuh Keng Kwee, off Jalan Penang.
Station 14: Lebuh Carnarvon
While Penang Islamic Museum is under renovation, trace the history of Sun Yat Sen at his Penang base and then, take a stroll down to the Campbell Street Market.
Station 15: Kampung Kolam
The station is surrounded by Acheen Street Mosque, Masjid Kapitan Keling, Yap Kongsi, Khoo Kongsi, Cheah Kongsi and Lim Kongsi, collectively known as ‘Street of Harmony’. If you’re up for a hefty dinner, Nasi Kandar Beratur, situated next to Masjid Kapitan Keling, promises a feast for the senses.
Station 16: Mahkamah
The shuttle stops in front of St. George’s Church and close to other places of worship such as the Goddess of Mercy Temple and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
The frequency of buses at Weld Quay Bus Terminal and other bus stops are within 15-20 minutes. For bus arrival timings, kindly contact Rapid Penang ICIS Centre at 04-238 1313. Note that the arrival times are subject to traffic and weather conditions. For more information, visit www.rapidpg.com.my
This shuttle service operates from 6.00am – 11.40pm.