Along with socio-economic development, people’s travel needs are increasing, requiring public passenger transport services to constantly improve quality. However, the passenger transport industry is facing many difficulties, especially in attracting investment and improving operational efficiency. This article will analyze the challenges facing the passenger transport industry.
Support Policies and Implementation Reality
Binh Duong province has issued a Project “Improving the quality of public passenger transport by bus”, with many attractive support policies such as: loan support, fare support for policy beneficiaries, and encouragement of investment in buses using clean technology. Specifically, businesses investing in new vehicles using clean fuels (CNG, LNG) will receive 100% interest rate support, while diesel vehicles only receive 70% support. The provincial budget also supports 80% of loan capital to renovate 111 vehicles and open 19 new vehicles for 3 new routes.
However, after more than 2 years of implementation, the results achieved are still limited. Only one enterprise (Phuc Gia Khang Co., Ltd.) has completed the renovation and put 25 CNG vehicles into use. The number of vehicles converted from diesel to CNG has not met the requirements. Three new bus routes and two CNG fuel supply stations have not yet been implemented. Monthly ticket support has also not attracted many participants.
Difficulties of the Passenger Transport Industry
The passenger transport industry faces many difficulties due to the lack of specific regulations and related guidelines. Mr. Tran Ba Luan – Director of the Department of Transport of Binh Duong province said that the guidelines on planning, technical standards, support principles, bidding methods, smart bus ticket standards… are still incomplete.
A city bus on a sunny street in Binh Duong, Vietnam
Besides, the fierce competition from motorbike taxis and under 9-seat service vehicles, with more flexibility and convenience, is also a major challenge. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the difficulties for passenger transport businesses, with a sharp decline in revenue.
Solutions for the Passenger Transport Industry
In order to achieve the goal of developing a public passenger transport network by bus, the Department of Transport of Binh Duong province has proposed to the Provincial People’s Committee to extend the implementation period of the Project and continue to improve solutions to improve service quality. The Department will also promote the implementation of support policies, guide businesses to renovate vehicles, invest in CNG fuel supply stations and open new bus routes.
At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen propaganda and encourage people to use buses. On the business side, it is necessary to improve service quality, ensure traffic safety and train high-quality human resources.
Workers are repairing a CNG bus at a depot
Conclusion
The passenger transport industry is facing many difficulties and challenges. However, with the support of the State, the efforts of businesses and the active participation of the people, it is hoped that the public passenger transport industry will increasingly develop, contributing to building a civilized and modern city. Completing the legal framework, increasing infrastructure investment and improving service quality are key factors for the passenger transport industry to overcome difficulties and develop sustainably.
