The river bus stops at 10 different Saigon River and Thanh Da Canal piers on its journey. The first month of operations will see Saigon Waterbus’s five 80-passenger vessels put through their paces before the service is opened to paying passengers in early October.
Only four of the river-buses will be utilised on a day-to-day basis. The other will be used as a spare when maintenance or repairs are needed on the others. The operators of the service say they aim to keep to a timetable of 21 minutes per trip and fares will be VND15,000 (US$.66).
River buses are an initiative by Ho Chi Minh’s council to help alleviate ever-worsening traffic conditions in this metropolis with a population of more than eight million. 12GO ASIA says that once known as Saigon, the city enjoys a rich heritage and has a corresponding number of tourism draws to match.
Tuoi Tre News supplied the picture of the Saigon Waterbus.
Ho Chi Minh City Saigon Waterbus makes maiden voyage
News in Asia
Ho Chi Minh City’s début river ferry service departed on its maiden voyage on Monday morning. With a party of VIPS on board, the yellow liveried Saigon Waterbus sailed from Bach Dang Wharf on its 11km journey to the Thu Duc District area of the city.