Vientiane’s New Bus Project: A Step Forward or a Traffic Gamble?

Further reporting by Kheuakham Chanlivong

In Laos, each day commutes are largely dominated by personal autos, with public buses taking part in solely a minor position in Vientiane Capital. Nevertheless, efforts are underway to encourage residents to undertake extra sustainable and accessible transportation choices, signaling a possible evolution within the nation’s mobility panorama.

As Vientiane continues to develop, the each day use of automobiles by residents has led to persistent visitors congestion throughout rush hours.

The Vientiane Sustainable City Transport Mission, a collaboration between the Lao authorities and worldwide companions, launched an eco-friendly public transport system.

Based on state media studies from September, the undertaking is already 63 p.c full. Key options embrace an city transport administration system, improved public bus providers, a brand new Bus Fast Transit (BRT) system, E-pedicabs, and enhanced visitors administration. The BRT undertaking alone reached 35 p.c completion, in accordance with JCLAO.

Mission Supervisor Khamphan Vatthana highlighted that the BRT system is designed to work in concord with the present community managed by the Vientiane State Bus Enterprise, spanning a complete of 148 kilometers.

“BRT bus stations might be constructed in the midst of the street, and two extra bus lanes might be added to the street’s sides,” mentioned Khamphan. “Residents might be supplied free rides for the primary three months following the launch of the undertaking in mid-2025.”

Every BRT bus might be geared up with a sign transmitter that communicates with visitors lights. When a bus approaches an intersection, the transmitter adjusts the sign timing, shortening purple mild durations to permit the bus to move by extra rapidly.

Khamphan famous the present transportation system in Vientiane requires important enchancment. Regardless of efforts reminiscent of street repairs and the development of latest roads, he believes these measures fail to handle the broader points.

“The extra roads we construct, the extra automobiles observe,” he mentioned, stressing the urgency of shifting from a “Automobile/Highway-Oriented” method to a “Transit/Individuals-Oriented” design.

The undertaking additionally recognized 4 predominant causes for growing the BRT system: the annual 7-10 p.c enhance in car numbers, inadequate roadside parking, the inconvenience of current public transportation, and insufficient visitors administration.

Up to now, the Lao authorities has purchased 55 buses for this undertaking.Every bus is 55 meters lengthy and a couple of.65 meters broad, geared up with two doorways on both aspect and providing 40 seats, with a capability for as much as 90 passengers. There may be additionally a chosen seat for individuals with disabilities close to the midsection door.

Khamphan additionally acknowledged the problem of encouraging residents to shift from personal autos to the BRT system, stressing the significance of public training.

To advertise consciousness, the undertaking group plans to promote the BRT system and distribute informational supplies to native authorities throughout villages, districts, and provinces to make sure a easy rollout.

The Vientiane Sustainable City Transport Mission additionally emphasizes environmental sustainability, aiming to cut back motor vehicle use. It should introduce electrical buses and a “transit mall” zone to advertise strolling and biking.

To enhance the BRT system, the undertaking will supply electrical pedicabs (e-pedicabs) as a inexperienced possibility for brief journeys between BRT stations and close by locations. These pedal-assisted autos, fashionable worldwide, are light-weight and eco-friendly, designed to hold a number of passengers.

The City Transport Administration Part (UTMS) will handle e-pedicabs to make sure reasonably priced and environment friendly journey in central areas, together with non-motorized zones just like the transit mall. Working each day from 6 am to 10 pm, e-pedicabs might be out there at BRT stops and parking areas, charging LAK 12,500 (USD 0.57) per kilometer. Passengers can e book and pay by way of the UTMS app.

For comfort, a unified “Sensible Card” cost system will work for each BRT buses and e-pedicabs. Passengers can preload funds or journey credit onto the cardboard for straightforward tap-and-go funds. Cellular cost choices by partnered banks like BCEL Financial institution are additionally in improvement.

For passengers with out cellular gadgets or sensible playing cards, ticket stations might be arrange on the predominant BRT station and different designated places.

“We could face challenges initially as individuals adapt to the system, however we’re dedicated to making sure its success,” Khamphan said.

The BRT Bus Depot is located on South Highway 13 in Phokham village, Xaythany district, Vientiane Capital, spanning an space of roughly 3 hectares, as said within the data supplied by the supervisor.

The ability might be enclosed with fencing and designed to accommodate 82 parking areas for BRT electrical buses, full with battery charging stations. It should additionally characteristic amenities for upkeep and restore coaching, a bus washing station, and different important providers for drivers and employees.

Moreover, the depot will home an administrative workplace for the BRT bus operator and an operations management heart to supervise the system’s administration and logistics.

Public Response

The introduction of the Bus Fast Transit (BRT) system in Vientiane has sparked combined reactions amongst residents, with opinions reflecting each optimism and issues in regards to the undertaking’s affect and practicality.

A 46-year-old development employee from Xaythany district expressed hope that the BRT would ease visitors congestion, saying, “I feel extra individuals will begin utilizing the bus as soon as it’s accomplished, particularly with the heavy visitors on the roads.”

Nevertheless, not everybody shares this enthusiasm. A development employee from Vang Vieng, who has labored in Vientiane for six years, voiced issues in regards to the undertaking’s feasibility.

“I don’t suppose this can be a good thought to construct this type of transportation as a result of our street is so slender. I’m additionally involved that the bus station is in the midst of the street. How might individuals cross the street that is filled with autos?” Whereas skeptical, he famous he may think about using the system relying on its affordability.

Others view the undertaking as a milestone for Laos. A resident of Salakham village in contrast it to developments in different international locations.

“It is a good alternative to have this undertaking. I really feel happy with our nation to have this type of initiative like different international locations. This may assist with visitors congestion as a result of everyone seems to be utilizing their very own automobile. Think about utilizing the bus; we’ll save some huge cash and time.”

He additionally praised the system’s potential to fulfill excessive security requirements and accommodate individuals with disabilities.

For youthful residents, particularly college students, the BRT is a promising various to personal autos. A Twelfth-grade scholar from Sinxay Main and Secondary Faculty emphasised its cost-saving advantages:

“I might love to make use of the BRT as a result of we’re college students; it will get monetary savings for us with out losing it on gasoline day-after-day.” The coed additionally advised introducing reductions or free trials for college students, proposing a ten p.c low cost to make the service extra accessible.

To fund this improvement, the federal government secured monetary assist from varied banks and organizations, together with USD 35 million from the Asian Growth Financial institution, USD 20 million from the European Funding Financial institution, and USD 15 million from the Group of the Petroleum Exporting Nations (OPEC).

Moreover, the undertaking obtained donations from worldwide organizations, together with USD 1.84 million from the International Surroundings Facility. Mixed with contributions from each the private and non-private sectors, the entire funding quantities to USD 99.70 million.

Because the undertaking progresses, these diverse views spotlight the necessity for efficient public outreach and changes to handle issues whereas maximizing the system’s potential advantages.

This story was supported by Internews’ Earth Journalism Community.