Scene at the ceremony launching the BRT system in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) hasbeen officially put into operation on the Kim Ma – Yen Nghia route in Hanoi,starting December 31.
Police has been seen on the spot to direct traffic along theBRT route, which covers 14.7km from Kim Ma station in Ba Dinh District to YenNghia station in Ha Dong District.
With prioritised traffic lights and lanes, the buses runthrough Giang Vo, Lang Ha, Le Van Luong, Le Trong Tan, Tran Phu and Ba Lastreets.
After the launching ceremony, Hanoileaders got on a rapid bus to try out how the prominent solution for traffic inthe capital works.
The local authorities expect the BRT will encourage morepeople to use public transport. During the first-month operation of the bussystem, between January 1 and 31, 2017, passengers can travel on the route freeof charge.
Nguyen Huu Tuyen, a BRT driver, said the bus runs on its ownlanes, thus facing congestion on just two or three sections.
The entire route takes up between 40 and 42 minutes and thepassengers seem very pleased, he noted.
According to schedule, the bus system is available 17 hoursper day, from 5 am to 22 pm with a bus departing every 5, 10 and 15 minutes.
The Hanoi BRT project started in 2013 at a cost of 53.6million USD, financed through World Bank loans.
Prior to its official launch, the buses had been pilotedduring rush hours. It was reported thattheir speed was slower, as there were too many vehicles on the road and many ofthem drove on lanes designated for rapid buses.-VNA
VNA
