HÀ NỘI — Transport companies and coach station operators in Hà Nội are preparing to meet the travelling demand that is expected to increase slightly during National Day on September 2.

Nguyễn Quốc Uy, director of Mỹ Đình Station told the Giao thông (Transport) newspaper that the coming public holidays consisting of the National Day on Friday and two weekend days would see a slight increase in travel demand.

He said that coach fares would not be higher than usual, and so far, there were no transport firms proposing a fare hike.

Uy said that the station planned to concentrate on ensuring security and public order during the holidays.

“The station managers asked coach operators to make travel for passengers safe and sound,” he said, and added that all coaches would be examined carefully before departure.

Nguyễn Tùng Anh, director of the Hà Nội Station Joint Stock Company said that it and other local companies would add more coaches to meet the increased demand.

There are 3,100 coaches operating in the city’s stations of Gia Lâm, Giáp Bát and Nước Ngầm daily.

Anh said that travel would not increase much as students had just returned to school and the storm season had arrived.

He said that the quality of vehicles, fire control equipment, drivers and goods, would be checked carefully.

Đào Việt Long, head of Transport Management Division under the city’s Transport Department said that despite the closure of Lương Yên Station late last month, passenger transport from other localities to Hà Nội did not witness much chaos.

“Passengers are now familiar with the new routes and new destinations,” he said.

Long said that during the holiday, the transport department would grant a badge “Added” to coaches that transport firms wanted to add during holidays.

However, the addtional coaches would be allowed to leave from Hà Nội only, and they would get limited entry to the city centre.

He also called for people to arrange the scheme season-wise to avoid traffic congestion, particularly on September 1 evening and when the holiday ends on September 4 evening or September 5 morning. — VNS