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 technicallyin Ho Chi Minh City on August 21, looking to ease traffic congestion on roadsand meet travel demands of local people.
The project, invested by Thuong Nhat Co., Ltd, is carried out on the Sai GonRiver and at Thanh Da, Ben Nghe and Tau Hu canals.
The first bus route, 10.8 kilometres in length, will connect the Bach DangWharf on the Sai Gon River with Linh Dong ward in Thu Duc district with sevenstops.
Meanwhile, the second route runs from the Bach Dang Wharf to Lo Gom area inDistrict 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 routeand the price will be adjusted in accordance with different stages.
The bus will be officially put into operation on the outset of October thisyear. By 2020, Thuong Nhat company will have a river bus fleet of 10 boats thatcan carry 60 passengers each.
Director of the municipal Department of Transport Bui Xuan Cuong said that thecity has a relatively dense network of 1,000 kilometres of waterways, which playsa significant role in the city’s socio-economic development. However, the cityhas not taped public waterway transport to the fullest extent.
Currently, most of the public means of transport in the city are taxi and roadbus, which only satisfy 10 percent of local transport demand. The transportsector is striving to meet 20 percent of transport need by 2020.-VNA
VNA
