Since October 25, eight subsidised bus routes in HCM City have been resumed. However, they have still failed to attract passengers. This has affected staff of local bus companies.
Most buses in HCM City are operated from 5 am to 6 pm every day, going through main streets, stations and hospitals. Meanwhile, the bus route, which connects Cu Chi District and An Suong Station, runs from 4:30 am.
Buses are usually sterilised for Covid-19 prevention.
Thi Van, 33, and her mother Hoang Thi Hoan, 62, said that before the pandemic, buses were often crowded, but now, they are deserted.
The stop at Park 23/9 saw only some passengers.
Passengers have to scan QR codes on buses
According to Nguyen Phong Nha, 32, from An Giang Province, during the four-month suspension of bus operation, he joined groups to voluntarily transport Covid-19 patients to field hospitals. Now, he is very happy to return to his work.
These days, the 65 Bus Route serves only 120-130 passengers compared to 400-500 before the pandemic.
People still worry about the risk of Covid-19 infection when going by public buses, while lots of people and students have not yet returned to HCM City for work.
Nguyen Thi Lien, 56, from Hoc Mon District wore a face shield when going by bus.
Passengers have to ensure Covid-19 prevention regulations on buses. They need to take at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot.
