Cat Lai ferry staff selling bus tickets from a distance (nearly 1km from the ferry) – Photo: CHAU TUAN
As noted by Tuoi Tre Onlinethe eastern and western gateways of Ho Chi Minh City began to “heat up” as people flocked back to Ho Chi Minh City after the National Day holiday on September 2. In particular, from 4 p.m., some sections on the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay highway, Cat Lai ferry… became increasingly crowded, causing local congestion for a few moments.
For example, at the Cat Lai ferry area (Nhon Thach district, Dong Nai province towards Ho Chi Minh City), the authorities arrived very early to regulate and direct traffic. All vehicles were required to line up neatly to ensure traffic order and safety.
As the evening wore on, the traffic grew heavier and the queue stretched for up to 3km. Ferries operated at full capacity back and forth between the two banks to serve the people.
To help people travel more conveniently and save time, Thanh Nien Xung Phong Ferry Management Enterprise (the unit managing Cat Lai ferry) said it has sent 8 ferries to run continuously.
At the same time, increase the maximum number of staff compared to normal days and apply the form of selling tickets and dividing traffic from a distance. It is forecasted that the number of passengers traveling via Cat Lai ferry during peak season will be about 70,000/day, with a total of 300 ferry trips/day.
Vehicles lined up for about 3km towards Cat Lai ferry – Photo: CHAU TUAN
Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway was congested for a few moments, especially at the Long Thanh bridge (near the Long Phuoc toll station). As for the direction near the An Phu intersection, the traffic situation was basically stable.
In the afternoon of the same day, thousands of people lined up to return to Ho Chi Minh City after the September 2nd holiday, causing a long traffic jam at the gateway to the West. Everyone was carrying their children, suitcases, and some gifts from home.
On Highway 1, from Nguyen Van Linh towards Binh Dien Bridge, the flow of vehicles was very slow, sometimes having to stop completely. At the intersections, there were functional forces present early to regulate traffic, but as the evening wore on, the number of vehicles from the West pouring into Ho Chi Minh City increased.
Images of vehicles at the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City:
Cat Lai ferry mobilizes maximum people and vehicles to operate – Photo: CHAU TUAN
A large number of Cat Lai ferry staff, divided into many groups to sell tickets from a distance – Photo: CHAU TUAN
At 5:25 p.m. the same day, the line of cars was still long heading towards Cat Lai ferry – Photo: CHAU TUAN
Traffic congestion on National Highway 1 (the gateway to the West) – Photo: PHUONG QUYEN
A line of cars heading from Binh Thuan overpass to An Lac roundabout – Photo: PHUONG QUYEN
After 4 days of holiday, people return to Ho Chi Minh City with their belongings and gifts from home – Photo: PHUONG QUYEN
Traffic congestion on the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway from Long Thanh bridge to An Phu – Photo: GIAI THUY
Mien Tay Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City is crowded these days. However, there is no jostling – Photo: PHUONG QUYEN
Bus stations in Ho Chi Minh City increase service
Talk to Tuoi Tre Onlinethe representative of the new Eastern bus station said that the peak of this holiday is from August 30 to September 4. It is forecasted that the total number of passengers during this occasion will be about 36,300 people, 2,340 trips (respectively 183% and 170% compared to the same period).
The old Mien Dong bus station is expected to reach about 47,800 passengers and 2,440 trips (100%, equivalent to 2023). Mien Tay bus station is the highest with the total number of passengers forecast from August 30 to September 3, reaching about 170,000 people and 8,148 vehicles (105% and 115% respectively compared to last year).
The bus stations said they have asked the bus companies to inform each driver not to carry more passengers than the number of passengers, ensure electronic tickets are issued and sell at the correct declared price.
The bus station has proposed that the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport consider issuing more badges for fixed-route vehicles, tourist vehicles, off-route vehicles, etc. and increase buses to promptly relieve passengers when necessary.
At the same time, coordinate with authorities to handle bus companies and coaches running on fixed routes but operating as “illegal buses, illegal stations”, and disguised fixed-route contract buses.