River ferries proposed to ease traffic jams

A plan to develop public waterway routes is expected to be approved by the HCM City People’s Committee, according to the city’s Transport Department.

Under the plan, one route would extend from District 1′s Bach Dang Wharf to Binh Quoi station in Thu Duc District’s Linh Dong Ward.

Boats would run on the Sai Gon River passing through Binh Thanh District’s Thanh Da Canal and District 2. The boats would stop at 10 stations located near bus stations.

The other route would depart from District 1′s Bach Dang Wharf to District 8′s Phu Dinh station, running on Ben Nghe – Tau Hu Canal via Districts 5 and 6.

The route has seven stop-overs close to footbridges along the East – West Highway.

Both routes are 11 kilometres long and have an estimated travelling time of 30 minutes from the departure to the final destination.

The city’s Department of Transport’s Division of Waterway Management is working with Thuong Nhat Ltd to develop a detailed plan.

A public waterway bus system that is financially feasible and affordable compared to other transport means would be in accordance with the city’s ports and river waterway system, officials have said.

It would also help ease road traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, according to the transport department.

According to the plan, 16 boats worth VND32 billion (US$1.7 million) would be used, half of which would have a capacity of 100 passengers while the rest would accommodate 40 passengers. — VNS

Tags: River ferries, Vietnam traffic