HCMC bus stations well prepared to meet increasing transport demand

Ho Chi Minh City will ensure sufficient transportation for residents during the Lunar New Year Holiday - photo: Saigontimes

Bui Hoa An, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport told a press conference on November 28 that there will be no shortage of buses for residents returning home for the holiday or traveling for leisure during the 2025 Lunar New Year Holiday.

The number of passengers transported through bus stations in the city are expected to increase by about 20% compared to the same period last year.

City-based bus stations will be prepared to serve an average of 94,000 passengers per day from the 20^th day of the 12^th lunar month to the 10^th day of the first lunar month of the following year, 50% higher than regular days. Almost 4,803 buses, equivalent to 163,697 seats, will be available at the bus terminals to meet passenger demand.

Transport companies are permitted to increase bus ticket prices for Tet time by 40-60% compared to regular days, and must publicly display ticket prices to ensure transparency and help bus terminals to monitor price changes.

The old Eastern Bus Station (Binh Thanh District) is expected to serve 9,300 bus trips with almost 181,000 passengers, averaging about 19,000 passengers daily, during Tet time.

The station has set regulations for ticket price adjustments. Transport operators can raise prices by a maximum of 40-60%, depending on the route and timing. For additional buses, ticket prices will be flexibly adjusted to match market demand.

Meanwhile, the new Eastern Bus Station (Thu Duc City) is expected to serve more than 140,000 passengers from January 19 to February 7, 2025. Although this represents a slight increase compared to the same period last year, the station management board noted that the number of passengers remains below expectations. On peak days, from January 24 to 26, 2025, the station is expected to serve 11,300-13,000 passengers daily, while other days will see about 7,000-8,000 passengers.

At the Western Bus Station (Binh Tan District), passenger numbers are also expected to increase slightly compared to the previous year. During the peak period from January 19 to February 7, 2025, the station will handle over 437,000 passengers, equivalent to about 16,400 bus trips. On the peak day – the 27^th day of the 12^th lunar month, the station is expected to serve nearly 63,000 passengers, a record figure. Despite the rise in ticket prices, the city’s bus terminals will ensure reasonable adjustments to meet travel demand during the Tet holiday.

According to the Department of Transport’s leadership, ticket sales have already been launched through online platforms, allowing residents to conveniently book tickets in advance. The department is also implementing plans to ensure safe and smooth traffic during the holiday season, aiming to meet the public’s needs effectively.