Buses ply in an exclusive lane on Trần Hưng Đạo Street in HCM City’s District 5 several years ago. The city is planning to bring the concept back, this time on Điện Biên Phủ and Võ Thị Sáu streets. — Photo sggp.org.vn

HCM City — The HCM City Public Transport Management Centre has announced plans to trial bus lanes on Điện Biên Phủ and Võ Thị Sáu streets during peak hours. 

Private vehicles will be prohibited from entering the lanes at that time. 

The lanes, 3.25 metres wide, will be separated from the other lanes by barriers.

Nguyễn Trung Tín, former head of the department’s road transport management, said the city used to have an exclusive bus lane on Trần Hưng Đạo Street (District 5), but it did not work efficiently though they are successful in other countries. 

This was because other vehicles kept intruding and there was lack of support from the public since the lanes affected shops and other businesses, he explained.

Before the pandemic buses would often get stuck in traffic during peak hours and be late. 

The centre also plans to start new 21 bus routes with high-quality service, free wi-fi and other modern conveniences. — VNS