HN plans to increase flexible bus routes
VGP - Hà Nội’s Department of Transport is planning to increase the number of flexible bus routes, which skip bus stops and bypass traffic jams by taking alternative routes, according to Deputy Director of the Department Nguyễn Hoàng Linh.
Mr. Linh said that the model was put into operation earlier
this year on six routes, including Long Biên-Bắc Ninh, Giáp Bát-Mỹ Đình, Long
Biên-Đông Mỹ, Giáp Bát-Đông Ngạc, Giáp Bát-Nhổn and Bác Cổ-Yên Nghĩa, to deal
with over-crowed bus stops and to shorten journey times.
These routes were serviced from Monday to Friday during peak
hours and drives were give permission to skip bus stops and actively search for
alternative ways to avoid traffic congestion. After a four-month trial, it was
found to be both effective and economical, in spite of a number of problems
caused by poor infrastructure, Mr. Linh said.
The department recently surveyed 1,537 passengers and more
than 94% of them agreed to use this form of public transport rather than their
own vehicles, an increase of nearly 4% compared to a survey conducted in March.
On top of this, more than 93% of passengers thought the model was convenient,
an increase of nearly 7%.
Mr. Nguyễn Hoàng Hải, Director of the