HÀ NỘI — The first double-decker bus to ferry tourists around the city started its trial run in Hà Nội on Friday morning.

The bus, called City Tour, departs from Hà Nội Opera House and runs through Hoàn Kiếm, Ba Đình and Tây Hồ districts, taking tourists to popular attractions such as the Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature and Old Quarters.

Each bus, painted a cheerful red, costs between VNĐ7 billion (US$311,100) and VNĐ9 billion ($400,000). It has 14 seats at the lower level and over 30 seats on the open top level, which has a mobile roof that can be closed during bad weather.

Nguyễn Công Nhật, deputy director of Hà Nội Transport Service Company (Transerco), said only one bus has been put on trial run to gather public opinion. “The city plans to have more double-decker buses with open roofs. They will better serve tourists and help reduce traffic density,” he said.

The bus, designed following all technical safety standards, is equipped with 4G, Wifi, and has supportive devices for the disabled.

The city plans to run the first 10 buses in July. Passengers can either buy tickets for the city tour, or hire the entire bus for different purposes.

Last year, the Prime Minister gave the go-ahead to Hà Nội, HCM City and five other areas to pilot double-decker bus for tourism activities within five years. These buses will start operating in the capital and HCM City in the next two months.

Other countries in the region where double-decker buses are commonly used for city tours include Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong. — VNS