Mỹ Đình Station is one of the busiest in the capital city. — VNA/VNS Photo Thành Đạt

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội Transport Station JSC. announced it will schedule an additional 2,500 coach trips for the New Year holidays at the end of December and January. 

The managing agency of the capital city’s coach stations said the number of passengers is expected to increase by 50 per cent during the New Year weekend. 

For the Lunar New Year holiday in mid-January, this figure could increase by 200 per cent, and even up to 300 per cent during the peak period, compared to the usual traffic. 

Phạm Mạnh Hùng, the company director, said: “Since the number of passengers usually only reaches about 30 to 40 per cent of the total capacity, the current number of coaches can meet the transport demands during the New Year. 

“However, certain times during the peak period will witness an increase in the number of passengers, and therefore more vehicles are required.”

In Giáp Bát, Mỹ Đình and Gia Lâm stations, the number of passengers is expected to increase by 200 per cent. These figures are equivalent to approximately 12,000 passengers per day for Giáp Bát and Mỹ Đình, and 5,000 for Gia Lâm. 

The company estimates that these three stations will see 2,486 additional coach trips for the Lunar New Year.

People will have a three-day holiday for the New Year, and another seven days for the traditional Lunar New Year celebrations. 

Hùng added that in recent years, due to the rise in the number of personal cars, many families would use their own vehicles for travelling, which also leads to a decrease in the demand for inter-provincial transport services. Coach stations would also see little overcrowding. 

Hà Nội Transport Station JSC. has ordered stations to work with transport services providers to sell e-tickets, in compliance with the regulations on ticket pricing. 

Any increase in ticket prices must be reported for approval before January 11, 2023. 

Overcharging tickets and overcrowding coaches are also not allowed. 

Stations also required transport services providers to sign a document of commitment to ensure security, order and fire prevention, and only operate with registered vehicles according to regulations. 

These stations will also work with the police forces to prevent the transportation of explosives, flammable items and counterfeit or banned goods. 

Hà Nội Transport Station JSC. also requested the capital city’s transport department 500 badges for additional vehicles for this season. 

Hà Nội transport department and the city police also have plans to organise traffic around the stations, especially at the southern locations where the Ring Road 2.5 Kim Đồng - Giải Phóng is under construction. 

Hà Nội Transportation Corporation (Transerco) will be in charge of coach services and plan for back-up vehicles during peak days. — VNS