Innovate to make buses more user-friendly and attractive.

Along with investing in and developing transportation infrastructure, Can Tho City focuses on promoting public passenger transport by bus, contributing to reducing traffic congestion, saving costs, and protecting the environment. Can Tho buses are continuously being improved and upgraded to become a familiar and friendly mode of transportation, making a positive contribution to the development of a civilized and modern city.

Constant innovation

Can Tho City has been developing a modern, convenient, and sustainable bus network to further expand this mode of transportation to the community. Accordingly, buses are being modernized, comfortable, and clean. Bus shelters and stops are receiving significant investment for improved facilities. Passengers have multiple payment options for fares and can track bus routes via an application. Preferential fare policies and monthly passes also help many people, especially those with limited incomes, access bus services more easily. These are innovations aimed at benefiting the public and encouraging their participation in public transportation.

Sharing her reasons for choosing the bus as her son's daily mode of transportation to school, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh from O Mon ward noted that the first advantage is cost savings. As a student, she buys a discounted monthly pass for 300,000 VND/month. Using the monthly pass is quite convenient; her son only needs to bring the card and swipe it to pay the fare, eliminating the need for cash. The buses are clean and cool, providing a greater sense of security, especially on hot or rainy days.

Mr. Tran Van Thong, residing in Cai Khe ward, said: "The roads are increasingly crowded, and it's quite dangerous for elderly people to ride motorbikes. Therefore, since the city introduced the new buses, I frequently use them when I need to travel."

Many people choose buses as their mode of transportation.

In Can Tho City, there are 9 non-subsidized inter-provincial bus routes operating by Phuong Trang Passenger Transport Joint Stock Company - FUTA Bus Lines, including routes (CT-01-CT-03) Ba Lang - O Mon - Lo Te; route (CT-05) O Mon - Vinh Thanh; route (CT-06) Lo Te - Kinh B - Kien Giang (old); route (CT-07) Lo Te intersection - Co Do town (old); route (CT-08) Can Tho - Giai Xuan (old) - Phong Dien; route (CT-09) Phong Dien - Lo Te Ba Se - O Mon; route (CT-11) Ba Lang - Tra Noc Industrial Park - O Mon; route (CT-12) Song Hau Park - Kinh Cung town (old Hau Giang province); route (CT-14) Can Tho International Airport - Dai Ngai town (old Soc Trang province). In addition, there are intercity bus routes operating within the city that connect with neighboring provinces such as An Giang , Vinh Long, and Dong Thap.

According to Phuong Trang Passenger Transport Joint Stock Company - FUTA Bus Lines, during the implementation and operation of bus routes in Can Tho City, the company received close attention and guidance from the City People's Committee, along with active coordination and support from the Urban Traffic Management and Operation Center - Department of Construction of Can Tho City, helping the bus routes to be implemented on schedule and in accordance with the city's public transport development orientation. Can Tho's transport infrastructure system is increasingly being invested in and improved, creating favorable conditions for organizing safe and smooth bus operations. People are increasingly aware of the benefits of buses, especially in saving costs, reducing environmental pollution, and contributing to reducing traffic congestion.

Spread it further!

Bus services in Can Tho City have shown positive results recently. However, some challenges remain. For example, the habit of using private vehicles is still prevalent among the population, leading to inconsistent passenger numbers on some routes. Infrastructure serving buses, such as bus shelters, stops, and parking lots, is not yet fully developed in some areas. Localized traffic congestion during peak hours on major roads affects schedules and passenger experiences. To promote bus services and change people's travel habits from private vehicles to buses, a process requiring time and coordinated efforts between management agencies, operating units, and the community is necessary.

According to Phuong Trang Passenger Transport Joint Stock Company - FUTA Bus Lines, in the coming time, to contribute to increasing the rate of people using buses, the company plans to implement several key solutions such as improving service quality, applying information technology, and strengthening coordinated communication. Accordingly, the company will continue to invest in and upgrade its fleet to meet high standards of safety, comfort, and environmental friendliness. It will also strengthen training for drivers and service staff to provide a civilized, friendly, and punctual experience for passengers. Furthermore, it will apply technology in management and customer service, expanding the FUTA application to look up routes, track vehicle location in real time, and enable cashless payments, making travel more proactive and convenient for passengers. The company will integrate its data system with the operations center to monitor routes and adjust frequency to match actual demand.

FUTA Bus Lines, a subsidiary of Phuong Trang Passenger Transport Joint Stock Company, also collaborates with departments, agencies, schools, and businesses to organize communication programs and bus travel events, helping people, especially students and workers, understand the benefits of using public transportation. They also intensify promotional activities on various media channels and social networks to spread the image of buses as convenient, friendly, and safe.

The Urban Traffic Management and Operation Center widely disseminates information on social media platforms such as the "Cantho Bus" Fanpage on Facebook, continuously updating information to reach the public quickly and effectively. In addition, they are piloting the dissemination of information on other social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, and developing sample designs for promotional materials such as banners and leaflets.

Text and photos: T. TRINH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/doi-moi-de-xe-buyt-than-thien-va-hap-dan-a195091.html