Operation of the double-decker open-top buses helps promote the image of tourism and create attractions for domestic and international tourists visiting HCM City.  Photo nld.com.vn

HCM CITY  In addition to operating in District 1 and District 4, double-decker open-top buses are proposed to expand to new routes through District 5, District 6, and Thủ Đức City.

The city's Department of Transport has proposed to the city's People's Committee [administration] to allow the continuation of the pilot programme of tourist transportation service by double-decker open-top buses in District 1, District 4, and to expand the programme to District 5, District 6, and Thủ Đức City until December 31, 2025.

Currently, there are two pilot units operating two routes of double-decker open-top buses for tourist transportation.

Specifically, Ảnh Việt Hop On - Hop Off Việt Nam Company operates route DL01, which has been in service since January 2020.

The route is 12.7km long, with buses running from 9am to 11pm daily. As of the end of the first quarter of 2024, route DL01 has served 191,681 passengers.

Meanwhile, the Việt Nam - Hà Nội Tourism Company has operated route DL02 since August 2022.

The route is 13.8km long, with operation hours from 9am to 5:30pm daily.

As of the end of the first quarter of 2024, route DL02 has transported 125,203 passengers.

The city's Department of Transport assesses that the pilot programme has contributed to building new tourism products to serve visitors, promoting the image of tourism, and creating attractions for domestic and international tourists to HCM City.

In addition to these two routes, in July 2023, the two aforementioned companies proposed to expand the pilot programme.

The Ảnh Việt Hop On - Hop Off Việt Nam Company proposed to open the Sài Gòn Bus Station - Chợ Lớn Market route. This route is expected to operate 30 trips per day.

Meanwhile, the Việt Nam - Hà Nội Tourism Company proposed to open the City Tour Sài Gòn - Chợ Lớn Market route, with a planned frequency of 15 trips per day.

According to the city's transport authority, expanding the pilot tourist transportation service by double-decker buses to District 5 and District 6 will contribute to supporting the development of the night economy and tourism.

The two pilot units proposed different route plans, thus there is no overlap and no impact on each other's operations.  VNS