Minh Chau is the only island commune of Hanoi Capital established on the basis of the arrangement of the boundary of part of Tay Dang town and Chu Minh commune, with an area of over 10km2 and a population of over 6,600 people.
Minh Chau has special natural conditions when the four sides of the river surround it, traffic has long depended mainly on ferries and the only spillway through Phu Tho province.
For many years, the journey to the city center for students, workers or sick people has always been a challenge in terms of time, safety and especially during the rainy season.
From that practice, on July 2, 2025, the People's Committee of Minh Chau commune proposed that Hanoi city adjust and expand bus route 20A connecting directly to the commune.
On September 29, 2025, the Hanoi Department of Construction approved the operation plan of bus route No. 20, branch of route 20ATC from Nhon to Minh Chau, officially put into operation from October 1, 2025.
This is a historic milestone for Minh Chau people, the first time a public passenger transport route of the city has reached the island commune in the middle of the Red River.
Bus route 20 consists of two branches: 20A from Nhon to Son Tay Bus Station, and 20ATC connecting Nhon - Minh Chau. 20ATC branch uses a 76-seat large-capacity bus, operating from 4:40 to 7:50 p.m. every day, with 37 trips in a cycle of 30 to 50 minutes.
The route passes through key areas such as Troi, Phung, Phuc Tho, Son Tay, Vinh Thinh Bridge, Phu Tho Province and crosses Minh Chau spillway to reach the end point at Minh Chau market - which has been renovated by the commune, combined into a bus station, with full waiting rooms, operating areas, yards and electricity - water systems.
Right after the bus route was allowed to operate, due to heavy rain for many days, the water level of the Red River rose, submerging the spillway - the "only connection channel" of Minh Chau with the localities. Therefore, although the 20ATC bus has been operating since October 1 on the technical chart, the trips have not been able to connect to the commune.
According to the leader of Minh Chau Commune People's Committee, the 20ATC bus route is of great significance. This is an essential means of transportation for people, helping students and workers travel safely and conveniently.
The bus route is also a driving force for socio-economic development, helping people access medical, administrative and commercial services in the center of Hanoi. Further, Minh Chau has the opportunity to welcome tourists, opening new doors for community tourism.
The Party Committee, government and people of Minh Chau commune are committed to accompanying Hanoi Transport Corporation, ensuring security and order, maintaining infrastructure, and promoting the use of civilized and conscious public transport by people.
At the same time, Minh Chau commune hopes to continue to receive support from the City in investing in upgrading the road through the spillway, building sustainable connecting infrastructure, avoiding isolation during the rainy and flood season.
