In the late afternoon of May 2nd, people from the Mekong Delta provinces began to return to Ho Chi Minh City early after the holidays. Records at the bus station area and gateway roads became bustling.
According to records, the atmosphere at Mien Tay Bus Station (An Lac ward) began to become crowded as inter-provincial buses continuously arrived at the station. The waiting area and yard were bustling with passengers carrying luggage and suitcases back to the city. Although the number of people increased, the movement at the station still maintained order; passengers easily took taxis or technology cars to go home.
Bus station security forces have been strengthened at "hot spots", actively coordinating to divert vehicles to avoid localized congestion when vehicles pick up and drop off passengers continuously enter and exit.
Many people said they chose to return to the city earlier than expected to avoid crowds on the last day of the holiday, and also have more time to rest before starting work.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Nga (from Ca Mau) shared: "Every year, after the holiday with my family, I take advantage of returning to Ho Chi Minh City early to avoid traffic jams and have time to rest before returning to work.
Along National Highway 1, although the traffic situation is crowded, there is no congestion, and vehicles still move conveniently.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai (from Ben Tre) said: "Today moving to the city is quite convenient, only the weather is rainy, so I proactively drive slowly to ensure safety. In general, traffic on the national highway is crowded but no congestion occurs.
It is expected that tomorrow, the number of people from the Mekong Delta provinces flocking to the city will continue to increase sharply because it is the last day of the holiday.
After the holidays, the demand for travel from provinces back to Ho Chi Minh City increases sharply, especially at the eastern, northern and southern gateways. To reduce traffic pressure, the Traffic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police has proposed many alternative routes to help people proactively choose suitable directions.
Route to the Mekong Delta provinces - Ho Chi Minh City:
- Route 1: National Highway 60 - Rach Mieu bridge - National Highway 1 (old Tien Giang) - Trung Luong expressway - Ho Chi Minh City - Cho Dem intersection - Ho Chi Minh City.
- Route 2: National Highway 60 - Co Chien bridge - National Highway 53 - National Highway 1 (Vinh Long) - My Thuan - Trung Luong - Ho Chi Minh City expressway (circulation route but more open, reducing the risk of congestion).
The Traffic Police Department said that it will base on the actual situation to arrange forces, organize flexible traffic diversion, and coordinate with commune-level police to promptly handle arising situations, ensuring traffic order and safety.
Traffic police also recommend that people comply with traffic regulation orders, proactively update traffic information, choose reasonable travel times, and do not stop and park on the road or in the event area to avoid causing congestion.
