Saigon’s river bus service in the making

By Quynh Tran   July 30, 2017 | 08:35 pm PT
Construction is moving fast at the two main terminals so the city can launch the service in early August.
saigons-river-bus-service-in-the-making

Construction at Bach Dang Wharf along the Saigon River in District 1, where hydrofoils used to set off to the nearby beach town of Vung Tau. The Bach Dang-Linh Dong public river bus route will connect the wharf with a stop on the Binh Quoi River in Thu Duc District to the northeast of the city, passing through District 2 and Binh Thanh District.

saigons-river-bus-service-in-the-making-1

This is where passengers will embark. The first route spans 10.8 kilometers (nearly seven miles).

saigons-river-bus-service-in-the-making-2

Workers dismantle an old boathouse which was used by the hydrofoil service.

saigons-river-bus-service-in-the-making-3

All the old banners will be taken down. Some could be reused and redesigned for the new service, which is expected to cost VND15,000 ($660) per trip.

saigons-river-bus-service-in-the-making-4

The final stop in Thu Duc District is taking shape.

saigons-river-bus-service-in-the-making-5

The pier has been completed.

saigons-river-bus-service-in-the-making-6

The route with a total of 12 stops is expected to take half an hour, cutting a third of the time it would take to travel by for road.

saigons-river-bus-service-in-the-making-7

Workers build a waiting room for passengers at the Thu Duc terminal.

saigons-river-bus-service-in-the-making-8

The first route will use five 80-seat boats. The second route from Bach Dang Wharf to District 8 is scheduled for early 2018. The two routes are expected to cost an estimated VND120 billion ($5.28 million).

 
 
go to top