Penang’s waterways are among its greatest untapped assets. The state’s decision to revisit the water taxi idea, this time with an expanded service linking both the island and the mainland, is both timely and ambitious. Done right, it could transform mobility, ease traffic congestion, and inject new life into the tourism economy.

But the state cannot afford to repeat past mistakes. The earlier pilot project was a classic case of good intentions sunk by poor execution. Despite conditional approval from the Transport Ministry, the operator failed to secure the necessary permits, missed deadlines, and the project was eventually scrapped. The result: wasted time and lost confidence.

This new push must be different. The vision is broader — not just a handful of island routes but a statewide network that connects commuters and tourists across the channel. This expansion makes sense: why limit the service to the island when the real congestion problem lies in the daily flow between the island and mainland?

Still, ambition must be balanced with realism. Infrastructure, operating costs, environmental safeguards, and federal approvals must all be addressed before the first boat is launched. Penang needs a watertight plan — literally and figuratively.

The government is right to look abroad for inspiration. Successful water taxi systems in India and other cities offer lessons in affordability, frequency, and integration with land transport. Yet, Penang must adapt these lessons to its unique geography and commuter patterns.

If executed with care, a water taxi service could be more than a novelty. It could become a daily option for workers, a scenic alternative for tourists, and a vital complement to the state’s overburdened bridges and roads. Imagine bypassing gridlock with a breezy 15-minute ride across the channel.

Penang has been given a second chance to make the water taxi work. This time, the state must get it right.