Currently, Da Nang is operating a total of 14 bus routes. They are 6 bus routes between Da Nang and Quang Nam Province, 5 inner-city bus routes with subsidised fares, 1 TMF bus route, and 2 Coco Bus Tour routes. The operation of these bus routes has helped to develop a high-quality public transport service for local residents.

A bus employee selling tickets to passengers onboard

According to the Da Nang Traffic Lights and Public Transport Management Centre (DATRAMAC), all of the buses operating in the city have been fully equipped with global positioning system (GPS) under the instructions of the Ministry of Transport.

Director of DATRAMAC Dang Nam Son highlighted the significance of the installation of GPS in buses in helping his agency monitor the service quality, and detect bus routes-related violations. The violations include exceeding the speed limits, overtaking recklessly, crossing red light, not stopping at bus stops, and picking up and dropping off passengers at unallowed locations.

He added GPS has helped to minimise drivers’ mistakes, and reduce the number of traffic accidents.

Mr Nguyen Tan Phong, a bus driver on the bus route No 05, emphasised that GPS would be very important evidence for relevant agencies, bus service providers, and insurance companies, to identify and clarify the causes of traffic accidents, and the responsibilities of related people. The main reason is to be that GPS would record information about time, speed, and distance.

Mr Ho Truong Vinh from DATRAMAC noted since local buses were equipped with GPS, recent years have seen a significant decrease in the number of traffic violations such as exceeding the speed limits, overtaking recklessly, travelling in the wrong lanes, and crossing red light.

A representative from DATRAMAC said that his agency is integrating the GPS with a smart bus ticketing system, electronic boards, and an information support website. In addition, surveillance cameras would be installed in public buses in order to ensure the safety and effective management of passengers, drivers and assistant drivers, as well as to enhance the quality of services.

Director of the municipal Department of Transport Le Van Trung underlined the importance of installing GPS in buses in building a high-quality public transport system for locals, which helps to make Da Nang a more civilised and modern city in the future.