I refer to the Malaysiakini report Second bridge: 7-member body set up .

The establishment of the new seven member state committee on the second Penang Bridge is most encouraging. My suggestions for the committee to consider are:

• Reclaim the share of revenue from the current bridge: the former state government relinquished its equity stake in the bridge. This decision needs to be revisited as the present state government is entitled to and could definitely use a portion of the lucrative toll revenue to improve the overall transportation situation in Penang.

• Optimise the capacity of the current bridge: the current works to widen the bridge need to be examined if the optimal design solution is being implemented. There may be opportunities to optimise the bridge capacity especially for public transport such as dedicated bus lanes or a light rail system with some incremental investments.

• Examine the concession terms for the current bridge: is the current concession agreement equitable and does it protect the interests of the state and bridge users adequately? The performance of the current concessionaire in complying with the terms and conditions of the concession including meeting performance standards, investment obligations and corporate governance requirements should be examined against international best practice.

• Improve the ferry services: the ferry service operated by the Penang Port Commission has been allowed to deteriorate through policy and management neglect. The prospects for expansion of the ferry services as a more cost-effective and sustainable option to the proposed second bridge are certainly worth studying.

• Review the design of the second bridge: in the interests of developing a sustainable transport system for Penang and considering current global challenges including climate change, energy prices and depleting natural resources, the design of the second bridge should be geared towards public transport rather than private vehicles.

All aspects of the current design need to be re-examined especially the options of a light rail link or dedicated tram or bus way. The environmental and social impact assessment, financial and economic analyses and urban planning and land use impacts of the current design also need to be reviewed against international norms.

• Expand the state committee: the current seven-member committee should be expanded to include representatives from civil society and citizen groups and professional bodies such as engineers, transportation and urban planners to allow for genuine public participation and transparency in decision-making. The terms of reference of this committee should also include the Penang Outer Ring Road and the Rapid Penang bus services.

• Appoint an International Expert Panel: appoint an international panel of experts in transport planning, engineering, transport economics, urban planning and infrastructure finance to review the transportation proposals, including the second bridge, in the context of developing an overall sustainable transportation system for the state.