Restrictions have been imposed on public transport services in fight against COVID-19...
Restrictions have been imposed on public transport services in fight against COVID-19.
Passenger transport minimized
The leader of Khanh Hoa Department of Traffic & Transportation says under the Prime Minister’s Instructions on the “golden time” fighting against COVID-19, all passenger transport services are restricted, especially to and from big cities.
Khanh Hoa Department of Traffic & Transportation has sent a document to transport businesses and coach stations on the restriction of passenger transport to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus. The Department of Traffic & Transportation has suspended the issue of permits to charter tour buses with 9 seats and more to and from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi from March 30 to April 15. The air conditioning on passenger coaches is required to be kept under 28oC, according to Nguyen Van Dan, Director of Khanh Hoa Department of Traffic & Transportation.
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According to Le Hong Son, Vice-Director of Saigon Railway Transport Company (SRT) Nha Trang says from March 30, SE7 and SE8 trains have been suspended; SE1 and SE2 will be halted from April 1 and 3 respectively. Only 2 pairs of North–South trains SE3/4 and SE5/6 are still in service. Besides, local trains Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City have been suspended from March 30. Non-passenger train service is not limited.
Earlier, on March 30, the Ministry of Traffic & Transportation requested airlines to reduce domestic flight capacity with one flight per day on the routes Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi, Hanoi – Da Nang/Phu Quoc - Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang/Phu Quoc - Hanoi from March 30. All other domestic routes from and to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have been suspended. Non-passenger flights are not limited.
On March 30, leaders of Khanh Hoa Department of Traffic & Transportation conducted an inspection trip to coach stations and driving training and register agencies. The public buses, including airport ones, have been suspended from March 27. The transport service on fixed routes has been reduced to 1 trip per day and is not allowed to exceed 50% of the capacity. Domestic waterway transport service in Khanh Hoa has also been tightened, down by 50% of the capacity without exceeding 20 passengers/ trip.
Strict punishment for violation
Nguyen Cong Hai, Director of Nha Trang Southern Coach Station says under drastic measures against the pandemic, the coach station requires businesses to report passengers' addresses, telephones and location history. Service staff are required to wear face masks and drink with private cups. Public service businesses are required to clean and disinfect the surfaces of steering wheels, door knobs, seats, windows, air-conditioners, floors and others to avoid exposure to the virus. Passengers without face masks are not allowed. Hand sanitizers are required to be available for use. Vehicles failing to abide by the regulations are not allowed to operate.
Vehicles and passengers suspected of Covid19 infections must be isolated. Traffic Inspectors are to check and warn the implementation of pandemic control and prevention measures at coach stations and ports. Strict punishment will be given to any violators.
Thanh Nam
Translated by N.T
