Hanoi’s Department of Transport is seeking opinions for the plans to close Luong Yen, one of the city’s biggest bus stations in July.
Luong Yen Bus Station overloaded
Luong Yen station went into operation in 2004 as a temporary bus station. The site has deteriorated quickly and becomes the cause of constant congestion in the nearby streets.
In 2010, Vinafood Corporation proposed to cut the area of the station by half to carry out the first phase of their real estate project. VND10bn was spent to reorganise a smaller bus station. In 2012, the corporation proposed to close the station completely even though they hadn't began the first phase of their project.
The proposal was denied and Luong Yen Station was allowed to continue operating until July 2016 after protests from the Hanoi Transport Association and other firms. Many of the 300 plus coach operators in the city worried that they may be forced into bankruptcy if the station closes.
The bus station currently services 38 routes to 20 provinces and cities with 319 vehicles from 52 transportation firms. But the site is notoriously dirty and passenger services are poor, while parking for taxis and other vehicles remains limited.
Luong Yen is also not included in transport planning until 2030 with view toward 2050, while major stations such as My Dinh, Nuoc Ngam, Giap Bat and Gia Lam will all be upgraded.
According to Hanoi Department of Transport, the first plan is to guide buses in Luong Yen to other stations. The department will work with owners of other bus stations and provincial authorities to rearrange some routes. The second plan is wait for the completion of Co Bi Bus Station, which is under construction in Gia Lam District, then move all buses from Luong Yen to Co Bi.
The department has submitted both plans to the Hanoi People's Committee.
