VIENTIANE: Residents of Vientiane can now travel for free on the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system after it came into service on Tuesday (March 10), with payment waived for the first two months of operation.
The new bus service is designed to improve public transport, ease traffic congestion and enhance road safety.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Project Manager Khamphan Vanthana said the system was built to international standards with the aim of addressing Vientiane’s long-standing traffic problems.
Although the scheme was approved back in 2014, construction of infrastructure and the procurement of buses did not begin until early 2024.
To encourage members of the public to use the new service, the government has waived payment for a two-month trial period running until May 9.
Buses will run daily from 06:00 to 22:00. During morning peak hours from 06:00 to 09:00 and evening peak hours from 16:00 to 18:00, buses will arrive every six to seven minutes. Outside peak periods, buses will operate every 10 to 15 minutes.
The service is jointly operated by the Vientiane State Bus Enterprise and Phet Aloun Transport Co., Ltd.
Buses run between Dongdok at the National University of Laos, and Talat Sao (Morning Market), forming a loop through the city that passes through 19 bus stops.
Bus stops are located at Dongdok (NUOL), the SEA Games dormitory, Xangkhou, Saphangmeuk, 450 Year Road, Agricultural Promotion Bank, Phongsavanh Bank, Phakhao, Viewmall, SOS School, Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, ICTC, Phonphanao, Phonkheng, Public Security Museum, Phonsa-ath, Patuxay, That Foun temple, and Talat Sao.
From 06:00 to 22:00, only BRT buses are permitted to use marked lanes that indicate exclusive use by these buses. Drivers who violate the rule will be fined.
However, emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, rescue vehicles and government motorcades may use these lanes when necessary.
At other times, from 22:01 to 05:59, all other vehicles may use the BRT lanes. However, drivers who cause accidents at BRT stops at night-time will be responsible for the full cost of damage, along with a fine amounting to 10 per cent of the value of damaged property.
Officials say the BRT system represents a major step forward in urban transport in Vientiane and is expected to make travel faster, safer and more convenient. - Vientiane Times/ANN
