Roads are less congested thanks to the expressway.

With the highway, you can get there in a flash.

Unlike previous years, when they had to rush to book plane tickets early, this year, Mr. Quoc Tuan's family (residents of Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City) are leisurely enjoying the end-of-year festivities in Ho Chi Minh City because they had planned to drive themselves back to their hometown in Nha Trang ( Khanh Hoa ). Since the two sections of the Phan Thiet - Vinh Hao and Cam Lam - Nha Trang expressways opened, Mr. Tuan has been driving back home whenever he has free time. The journey takes nearly 6 hours, and he can rest whenever he feels tired, and he can even comfortably bring along a kumquat tree, sweets, and Tet treats for his grandparents.

People returning to their hometowns for Tet (Lunar New Year) at the Eastern Bus Station (Ho Chi Minh City) on February 3rd.

Similarly, Mr. Tran Thai (residing in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City) confidently stated that he wasn't worried about transportation during Tet because his home is in Binh Thuan , and this year there's a highway, so he can get there in a flash. He can focus entirely on his work, and even returning on the morning of the 30th of Tet would still be on time. "During the recent New Year's Day holiday, I had to be on duty at the office. Some days I drove to Ho Chi Minh City in the morning for my shift and then drove back home in the afternoon. It was very convenient. Now, the roads are fast and easy to travel on, so there's nothing to worry about," Mr. Thai said.

Like Mr. Tuan and Mr. Thai, this Tet holiday, those from the Mekong Delta who have come to work elsewhere will find it easier to return home thanks to the new My Thuan 2 bridge and the My Thuan - Can Tho expressway. Previously, during every holiday, all routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta provinces were congested. The old My Thuan bridge was overloaded, often causing traffic jams, with large trucks queuing up, posing a significant danger. Now, with the new bridge and new roads, the travel time to the Mekong Delta has not only been halved, but the roads are also much smoother and safer. In the north, the 251 km expressway extending from Phap Van ( Hanoi ) to Nghe An has also made it easier and safer for many families to return home for Tet.

Ready to open toll gates when traffic congestion occurs.

With the roads now open, the Ministry of Transport has also instructed the Department of Roads to direct BOT investors to develop plans and strategies to ensure security and order, and to manage traffic flow at toll stations to minimize congestion before entering the toll booths during the peak Tet holiday period. In case of traffic jams, the barriers must be opened to clear the congestion. The practice of opening toll booths in case of congestion is not only being applied on expressways but also on some national highways, which have already prepared for this plan.

A series of expressways put into operation in 2023 contributed to easing traffic congestion on the roads leading home for Tet this year.

For example, a representative from the Trang Bom Toll Station (belonging to Vietnam Digital Transport Joint Stock Company, located on National Highway 1, Trang Bom District, Dong Nai Province) stated that they have developed a plan to ensure traffic safety at the Trang Bom Toll Station during the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival of the Year of the Dragon 2024. This is the only toll station still operating on national highways through Dong Nai.

Accordingly, ensuring traffic safety at the toll station will focus on quickly managing traffic flow, effectively handling traffic congestion, and addressing other potential security and safety issues. In case of prolonged congestion, the Trang Bom toll station will report to Vietnam Digital Transport Joint Stock Company and relevant authorities to request permission to open the toll gates and waive fees as per regulations. Furthermore, the unit has developed and implemented solutions for 10 potential scenarios that may arise during station operation, such as accidents, traffic congestion, technical malfunctions, and power failures.

All routes, from the air to the ground, have been opened as "green lanes," ready for the Lunar New Year "migration" of millions of people across the country.

Ensure there is no shortage of vehicles to transport people back to their hometowns for Tet (Lunar New Year).

Representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport said they have met with all bus stations, associations, transport companies, and service providers to ensure the availability of taxis and buses, and to make adjustments to suit each stage of the process. According to forecasts, with an 18% increase in demand at bus stations, there will be plenty of vehicles. Currently, there are approximately 3,700 intercity passenger buses at the stations, and an additional 35,000 contracted vehicles can be added if needed to promptly meet the increased demand from the public.

Warning issued to people who might miss their Tet holiday train home.

According to information from Saigon Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, since January 26th, some passengers have missed their trains despite the company sending Zalo messages notifying them of train schedules. During the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the volume of people traveling on the roads is very high. To ensure the rights of passengers and avoid unfortunate train delays, the railway industry advises passengers to arrive at the station 30 minutes to 1 hour before departure time. When the station announces the opening, passengers should enter the station and board the correct train, carriage, and seat. Passengers should bring small, compact luggage, with each ticket allowing no more than 20 kg, and passengers are responsible for safeguarding their luggage. The railway industry will check boarding passes, personal identification documents, and other documents to verify passengers' eligibility for discounted fares at the station entrance and train carriage doors. Only passengers whose personal information matches the information on their boarding pass will be allowed to enter the station to board the train.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/duong-bo-thong-thoang-nho-cao-toc-185240203215132181.htm