>> Fast-bus route to replace tramway project in HCM City
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has allowed Tu Hai Joint Stock Co. to go ahead with plans for its boat service.
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| Waterway transport is seen as a viable way to reduce congestion in the city |
Le Ngoc Anh Minh, General Director of the company, said Tu Hai will study the project this year. With the total capital estimated at VND5 billion (USD239,234), the firm will begin with a survey of locations and customer needs.
Last August, Thuong Nhat Co. Ltd. also got permission to develop two river bus routes in the city.
As Ho Chi Minh City is crisscrossed by rivers and canals, waterway transport is seen as a viable way to reduce congestion on major roads.
Recently, Ho Chi Minh City decided to build a bus rapid route, or BRT. It will be the first of its kind in the city, and is hoped to ease traffic jams. The 12-km BRT line, will be serviced by buses that can accommodate 80 passengers.
Experts have said the urbanisation trend will increase into the year of 2030, particularly in the two major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. There will be a large influx of people coming from rural areas who will have to be considered in any planning for the transportation infrastructure.
