VietNamNet Bridge – Seven more bus rapid transit (BRT) routes will be launched in Hanoi over the next 13 years in order to realise the target of eight BRT routes as set-out in the capital city’s master plan on transport until 2030.

Hanoi's first BRT route connects Kim Ma and Yen Nghia bus station.

The BRT project has been implemented since early 2013 with a total investment of roughly VND1 trillion (US$44 million) in loans from the World Bank.

Earlier on December 31, 2016, the first BRT route in the country, located in Hanoi, was officially put into operation connecting Kim Ma and Yen Nghia bus stations.

The 14.77 km route runs through the districts of Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Thanh Xuan, Nam Tu Liem and Ha Dong. A total of 24 buses operate on this route serving passengers free of charge throughout January, after which from February onwards tickets will cost VND7,000.

The number of passengers using the Kim Ma-Yen Nghia BRT bus services has increased on a daily basis during the first ten days of the route’s operation, with an average of 40 passengers per trip, according to Vu Van Vien, Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport.

The figure is expected to rise in the future as BRT buses are connected with other routes, he said.

Hanoi is planning to open the second BRT route from Kim Ma bus station to Hoa Lac.

Nhan Dan