VietNamNet Bridge – Twenty-one buses running on compressed natural gas will ply the first green bus route in HCM City from August 15.


The buses, operated by Sai Gon Bus Co Ltd, will travel between Sai Gon and Binh Tay.

CNG-filling stations will be based on the Ha Noi Highway in District No 9 and on Pho Quang Road in Tan Binh District.

Duong Hong Thanh, deputy director of the municipal Department of Transport, said his staff would work closely with Viet Nam Petrolimex to establish more gas stations and run more green buses in the city.

CNG, considered a clean fuel, consists of compressed methane and ethane. The fuel has a high octane rating, which means it can be highly compressed without spontaneously igniting. It vaporises in the air without catching fire, thereby minimising the risk of an explosion.

CNG is also resistant to corrosion, which increases the life of the engine.

Each CNG-fuelled bus cost VND1.8-VND2 billion (US$88,200-$98,000).

In May, the city trialled two CNG buses. However, they were withdrawn from service because of problems finding a fuel supplier.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News