Transit authorities recently conducted feasibility studies for the Saigon’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and hope to complete the project by 2017.
Duong Hong Thanh, Deputy Director of the City Department of Transport, told Saigon Giai Phong Newspaper that the first of 8 proposed routes will provide service from Ben Thanh Market to An Suong Bus Station in District 12.
The South Korean government is assisting relevant authorities in applicable surveys and procedures in order to secure a World Bank loan for the BRT system.
While BRT routes often rely on dedicated lanes to move quickly, Thanh said that due to limited space and small streets in Saigon, much of the system will utilize current roads. When space allows, authorities will designate a priority lane for BRT busses.
An efficient BRT system along with the new metro would go a long way in addressing Saigon’s public transportation needs.
[SGGP]
