The first river-bus transport service was launched technically in Ho Chi Minh City on August 21. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – The first river-bus transport service was launched technically in Ho Chi Minh City on August 21, looking to ease traffic congestion on roads and meet travel demands of local people.
The project, invested by Thuong Nhat Co., Ltd, is carried out on the Sai Gon River and at Thanh Da, Ben Nghe and Tau Hu canals.
The first bus route, 10.8 kilometres in length, will connect the Bach Dang Wharf on the Sai Gon River with Linh Dong ward in Thu Duc district with seven stops.
Meanwhile, the second route runs from the Bach Dang Wharf to Lo Gom area in District 6. The 10.3 kilometre route has seven stops as well.
Each river bus ticket costs 15,000 VND (0.65 USD) on Bach Dang-Linh Dong route and the price will be adjusted in accordance with different stages.
The bus will be officially put into operation on the outset of October this year. By 2020, Thuong Nhat company will have a river bus fleet of 10 boats that can carry 60 passengers each.
Director of the municipal Department of Transport Bui Xuan Cuong said that the city has a relatively dense network of 1,000 kilometres of waterways, which plays a significant role in the city’s socio-economic development. However, the city has not taped public waterway transport to the fullest extent.
Currently, most of the public means of transport in the city are taxi and road bus, which only satisfy 10 percent of local transport demand. The transport sector is striving to meet 20 percent of transport need by 2020.-VNA
VNA
