The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has just sent a document to Saigon Transport Mechanical Corporation - One Member Co., Ltd. (SAMCO) regarding the implementation of a plan to transfer passengers to and from inter-provincial bus stations in the city.
The passenger transfer solution uses an interactive model via a smartphone application (e.g. Busmap User), allowing passengers to register information and track the vehicle route in real time. This application not only helps passengers manage their travel but also integrates GPS positioning, helping to accurately track the vehicle's location on a smart map.
The vehicles participating in the project all have a capacity of less than 29 seats, have a contract vehicle badge and both sides of the vehicle will clearly state "Passenger transfer vehicle to/from the Bus Station". Pick-up and drop-off points are arranged at fixed locations, such as shopping malls, hospitals and some other locations according to actual needs.
Transportation will operate 24/7, including holidays and Tet, to ensure maximum flexibility and convenience for passengers.
Notably, the cost of this service will be included in the inter-provincial passenger transport fare, enabling passengers to avoid paying additional separate fees for the transfer service. This model is expected to be implemented in two main phases.
The first phase will focus on the new Eastern Bus Station (Thu Duc City), with connecting buses organized in central areas of the city such as Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, Tan Binh, Tan Phu, Go Vap and Thu Duc City. SAMCO will flexibly expand its scope of operations depending on passenger demand, in order to better meet the travel needs in the city.
The second phase of the project will be implemented at the remaining inter-provincial bus stations, including Mien Tay bus station, An Suong bus station and Nga Tu Ga bus station. This phase is expected to begin in 2025, after the transfer organization at the new Mien Dong bus station has stabilized.
Before implementing phase two, SAMCO will conduct a report and evaluate the implementation of phase one to serve as a basis for expanding passenger transfers.
The HCM City Department of Transport requires SAMCO to closely coordinate with transport units to ensure the plan is implemented effectively. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties or problems, the units must report immediately for timely adjustment and to ensure the plan operates smoothly.
The new Eastern Bus Station has a total investment of over VND4,000 billion, of which phase one is about VND740 billion. This is the largest bus station in the country, capable of serving over 7 million passengers per year.
However, after being put into operation for nearly 4 years now, the wharf has only reached nearly 5% of its capacity. One of the reasons for the lack of customers is because it is far from the city center and traffic connections are not convenient.
