The quality of bus service needs to be improved.
(Baonghean)Vehicles do not meet standards; the number and frequency of buses run, stops, parking, and passenger pick-up/drop-off are not in accordance with regulations; speeding is rampant… These issues indicate that passenger bus transportation services in Nghe An province have many problems that need to be addressed promptly.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan from Yen Thanh town complained: “I frequently take the Vinh - Yen Thanh bus route, and I find the buses overloaded. Even on the hottest days, the air conditioning isn't on, and the cleanliness inside the buses is poor, creating a stuffy and uncomfortable atmosphere. Many buses also carry bulky goods. The buses are of poor quality and don't run on time. Sometimes the drivers drive recklessly, making passengers very worried…” Passenger complaints about the quality of bus services have been going on for a long time, becoming a “daily occurrence,” but the relevant authorities have yet to find timely solutions to address and rectify the situation.
The bus stop in Nghi An (Vinh City) has been turned into a drying area by local residents.
According to business registrations, there are currently 88 buses operating in Nghe An province providing public passenger transport services (in reality, the number of operating buses is lower) on the following routes: Route 1, Vinh - Cua Hoi - Cua Lo; Route 2, Vinh - Quan Banh - Cua Lo (these two routes are operated by Ngoc Anh Trading & Tourism Service Joint Stock Company); Route 3, Vinh - Thanh Chuong - Do Luong; Route 4, Vinh - Dien Chau - Hoang Mai; Route 5, Vinh - Dien Chau - Yen Thanh (these three routes are operated by Dong Bac Trading & Construction Corporation in Nghe An); Route 6, Vinh - Ha Tinh City (operated jointly by Dong Bac Trading & Construction Corporation in Nghe An and Ha Tinh Automobile Transport Joint Stock Company). Although there are only a few bus routes, management is facing many difficulties and shortcomings.
According to regulations, when opening or closing bus routes, or adding or replacing vehicles, or adjusting the operating routes, businesses must report to and obtain approval from the Ministry of Transport. However, in reality, businesses have not strictly complied with this regulation. The Dong Bac Trading & Construction Corporation in Nghe An, which operates the largest number of buses with 68 vehicles and a total of 280 registered stops on its routes, has, after a long period of operation, seen many vehicles become old and damaged. The company has had to temporarily suspend the operation of some vehicles for repairs but has not reported this to the authorities. When the authorities discovered the shortage of vehicles compared to the registered number, the company showed no concern and indifferently explained that "some vehicles are under repair."
Another passenger in Yen Thanh said: “At the same bus stop in Yen Thanh, sometimes you only have to wait 30 minutes for a bus, but other times you have to wait almost an hour. Due to the irregular pick-up and drop-off times, recently some ‘passenger’ vehicles painted in colors very similar to buses have also stopped to pick up and drop off passengers at designated bus stops, causing confusion for people.”
It is known that the Transport Department has sent a document to businesses requesting them to ensure that buses pick up and drop off passengers on time and in accordance with regulations, and not to reduce the frequency of bus services. They have repeatedly reminded bus companies to register for exclusive protection of their paint colors, but they have not complied seriously. Recently, there have been instances of unlicensed buses imitating the bus paint colors, causing confusion and frustration for passengers. Meanwhile, the authorities are unable to take action.
Mr. Mai Xuan Viet, an officer from the Vehicle and Driver Management Department of the Department of Transport, stated: “Given this situation, the Transport sector, in coordination with relevant authorities, is intensifying inspections and requiring businesses to promptly maintain, repair, supplement, or replace damaged or deteriorated vehicles to ensure they are operational and meet passenger service requirements and comply with registration commitments. Specifically, by the end of September 2013, the Dong Bac Trade and Construction Corporation in Nghe An must complete the investment and purchase of 6 new vehicles, replace damaged vehicles, and ensure that 100% of operating buses have air conditioning, repaired seats and doors, and are kept clean. Simultaneously, they must strictly adhere to the registration of additional vehicles and adjust the frequency of service. Alongside this, driver and onboard service staff must be trained to maintain a courteous and polite attitude towards passengers…”
After nearly four years of operation, the bus passenger transport system has transported over 12 million passengers, making a significant contribution to meeting the travel needs of the people, ensuring traffic safety and order, and stabilizing passenger transport fares in the area. However, this type of service has given rise to many shortcomings, therefore, relevant authorities and agencies need to actively intervene to promptly resolve these issues, restore order in bus passenger transport, and create an environment that attracts investment and promotes healthy competition in this sector.
Hoang Vinh
