The Hanoi Department of Transport on December 29 launched the pilot run of the first bus rapid transit (BRT) route with 20 trips from Yen Nghia to Kim Ma bus stations at a frequency of 7-10 minutes per trip.
According to record by Sai Gon Giai Phong, BRT buses travelled on the outermost lane together with other vehicles. Motorbikes and taxi cabs have not been banned from traveling across Lang Ha-Le Van Luong flyover to enter the lane for BRT as per plan.
Therefore, BRT buses traveled rather slowly in Yen Nghia, Le Trong Tan, To Huu, Le Van Luong and Lang Ha streets because of crowded traffic density during peak hours.
Investor representative Mr. Vu Ha, director of the Hanoi Management Board of Urban Traffic Development Projects, said that it took 56 minutes to ply between Yen Nghia to Kim Ma station over the stretch of 14.7 kilometers.
The route's operation was advantageous at intersections and crossroads. However it was still needed to adjust some turning points for smoother travel of BRT buses, he said.
On December 30, the route will operate in all time slots for authorized agencies to estimate its impact and efficiency preparing for official operation on January 1 next year.
