Hanoi buses quiet on first day of resuming operation

Hanoi buses will resume all routes from April 23. Buses are currently the only means of public transport in Hanoi, comprising more than 100 routes operated by the state-owned Transerco and several private companies serving the city centre and towns in greater Hanoi as well as connecting Hanoi with neighbouring provinces. Buses in Hanoi are easily recognisable with their red and yellow colours but buses on a number of routes are also painted green, blue and orange. Due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, starting from early April all buses in Hanoi had to stop operation to implement the Government’s social distancing regulations. (Photo: Viet Hung/Vietnamplus)

However, there are few passengers at the bus stations. The coronavirus epidemic has emptied buses and threatens job cuts across the transport sector as travel demand plummets. Many transport companies face the same dilemma, with the coronavirus dampening travel demand and hurting the logistics industry. The impact of the outbreak urged Hanoi Transport Association to call an emergency meeting with business leaders to brainstorm solutions. Hanoi bus operators are slashing trips as business is hit by the novel coronavirus scare, restraining large numbers of people from traveling. Hanoi confirmed its first novel coronavirus infection on March 6, a 26-year old woman returning from London. ( Photo: Viet Hung/ Vietnamplus)

The number of bus commuters remain low at bus stations. The Hà Nội Transport Service Corporation (Transerco) has cut more than 7,500 bus trips per day, equivalent to nearly 80 per cent of the total trips amid the peak of COVID-19 in the capital city. Buses will operate every 45 to 60 minutes per trip instead of five to 20 minutes. Buses will start later and finish earlier than before, from 6am to 8pm every day instead of 5am to 10pm.Transerco will report to local authorities on the move and propose further adjustment if necessary. Since March 22, the company cut 900 bus trips per day on 28 routes.(Photo: Viet Hung/Vietnamplus)

The seats are marked with an X so that the passenger does not sit on or have a paper noting: "Please do not sit on this seat" to ensure social distancing. The move follows Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc’s order to suspend bus operations or cut down on bus trips. Chairman of Hà Nội People’s Committee Nguyễn Đức Chung also recommended people to refrain from using public transport to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The Hà Nội Transport Service Corporation (Transerco) has cut more than 7,500 bus trips per day, equivalent to nearly 80 per cent of the total trips amid the peak of COVID-19 in the capital city. (Photo: Viet Hung/Vietnamplus)

Passengers take their seat in accordance with social distancing regulation. However, there are very few passengers at the bus stations. The coronavirus epidemic has emptied buses and threatens job cuts across the transport sector as travel demand plummets. Many transport companies face the same dilemma, with the coronavirus dampening travel demand and hurting the logistics industry. Hanoi bus operators are slashing trips as business is hit by the novel coronavirus scare, restraining large numbers of people from traveling. The Hà Nội Transport Service Corporation (Transerco) has cut more than 7,500 bus trips per day, equivalent to nearly 80 per cent of the total trips amid the peak of COVID-19 in the capital city.(Photo: Viet Hung/Vietnamplus)

Residents reuse bus services after 26 days of interruption due to COVID-19 epidemic. The Hà Nội Transport Service Corporation (Transerco) has cut more than 7,500 bus trips per day, equivalent to nearly 80 per cent of the total trips amid the peak of COVID-19 in the capital city. Buses will operate every 45 to 60 minutes per trip instead of five to 20 minutes. Buses will start later and finish earlier than before, from 6am to 8pm every day instead of 5am to 10pm.Transerco will report to local authorities on the move and propose further adjustment if necessary. Since March 22, the company cut 900 bus trips per day on 28 routes.(Photo: Viet Hung/ Vietnamplus)

All drivers and staff on bus routes must wear masks, vessels are equipped with antiseptic solutions. Hanoi buses will resume all routes from April 23. Buses are currently the only means of public transport in Hanoi, comprising more than 100 routes operated by the state-owned Transerco and several private companies serving the city centre and towns in greater Hanoi as well as connecting Hanoi with neighbouring provinces. Buses in Hanoi are easily recognisable with their red and yellow colours but buses on a number of routes are also painted green, blue and orange. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, starting from early April all buses in Hanoi had to stop operation to implement the Government’s social distancing regulations.(Photo: Viet Hung/Vietnamplus)

On the first day, Transerco mobilises 239 vehicles, operating 2,270 bus routes with a frequency o 45-60-90 minutes a bus line according to the social distancing requirements of the city. The Hà Nội Transport Service Corporation (Transerco) has cut more than 7,500 bus trips per day, equivalent to nearly 80 per cent of the total trips amid the peak of COVID-19 in the capital city. Buses will operate every 45 to 60 minutes per trip instead of five to 20 minutes. Buses will start later and finish earlier than before, from 6am to 8pm every day instead of 5am to 10pm.Transerco will report to local authorities on the move and propose further adjustment if necessary.(Photo: Viet Hung/ Vietnamplus)