Tripod: podcar

Community transportation is crucial for boosting mobility, accessibility, and sustainability in urban settings. In Penang, Malaysia, the public transport system grapples with a host of challenges, such as traffic jams, unreliable schedules, overcrowding, limited parking options, and a lack of smart technology integration. These issues often create inefficiencies and inconveniences for daily commuters. This research aims to delve into how emerging vehicle technologies can enhance community transportation services and promote sustainable urban development, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). To gather insights, we took a qualitative approach, conducting a structured online survey with 52 participants, including travelers, students, and public transit users in Penang. The survey focused on their transportation experiences, awareness of smart vehicle technologies, and preferences for future mobility solutions like autonomous systems and electric ridesharing pods. The results showed that users frequently encounter transport related challenges, such as overcrowded buses and ferries, limited last mile connectivity, and a lack of access to real-time travel information. Despite these hurdles, a respondents expressed a strong interest in and support for smart transport innovations, including features like GPS tracking, mobile booking apps, electric vehicles, and tech-integrated services. This indicates a rising demand for more efficient, eco- friendly, and accessible transportation options in urban areas. This study underscores the potential of smart vehicle technologies to revolutionize the public transport system in Penang.