In the days leading up to Tet, the traffic volume through Dinh Khao ferry usually increases sharply, especially motorbikes and cargo trucks, causing the waiting time to cross the ferry to be longer than usual.
According to reflections from many drivers, congestion often occurs during peak hours, directly affecting delivery progress and transportation costs at the end of the year.
Mr. Pham Thanh Thong, a driver specializing in transporting goods on the Vinh Long - Ben Tre route, said that every Tet holiday he is most worried about ferry congestion, sometimes having to wait almost an hour to cross the river.
According to Mr. Thong, late delivery of goods makes consumers impatient, drivers have to make up for trips, and work more stressfully in the days leading up to Tet. "I just hope the ferry increases trips so that goods trucks pass faster," Mr. Thong shared.
Sharing the same feeling, many vehicle owners believe that the sharp increase in the number of people's motorbikes causes traffic congestion, especially when people return to their hometowns and go to Tet markets.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, owner of a pickup truck carrying fruit, said that prolonged ferry waiting easily reduces the quality of goods, especially fresh agricultural products.
According to Ms. Lan, just a few hours late can cause fruit prices to fall, directly affecting income. "If ferries are organized reasonably and trips are increased, cargo trucks will be less waiting," Ms. Lan added.
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Le Hoang Thong - Head of Dinh Khao ferry terminal said that to proactively serve the peak of the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year 2026, the ferry terminal has developed many flexible traffic regulation plans.
According to Mr. Le Hoang Thong, when the traffic volume increases, the station will mobilize a maximum of 5 ferries operating simultaneously, including 2 ferries with a tonnage of 200 tons and 3 ferries with a tonnage of 100 tons, and continuously increase trips during peak hours.
In addition to the number of ferries currently operating, the ferry terminal also plans to add 1 ferry with a tonnage of 100 tons ready to be put into operation when vehicles are too crowded, in order to promptly relieve traffic pressure.
Ferries are arranged to run throughout, prioritizing quick clearance of motorbikes and cargo vehicles, limiting prolonged congestion in front of the station area.
In addition to increasing ferries and trips, Dinh Khao ferry terminal also arranges mobile ticket sales in the waiting area to shorten the procedure time for vehicles. According to Mr. Le Hoang Thong, this helps limit congestion in front of ticket counters, especially during peak hours.
The ferry terminal can apply a plan to not collect motorbike tickets during certain peak hours to shorten the time to board and drop off the ferry.
This is a flexible solution, only applied when necessary, to increase trip turnover, reduce traffic pressure and help people travel more conveniently during Tet," Mr. Thong added.
With early proactive preparation and flexible regulation plans, Dinh Khao ferry is expected to operate smoothly during the Tet peak, contributing to ensuring that people's travel and transportation of goods are timely and safe, so that the year-end journey is more light and peaceful to welcome spring.
