On April 26, 2024, the Da Nang Department of Transport announced the operation of four non-subsidised bus routes, including two adjacent routes to Quang Nam Province. This initiative represents the collaborative efforts of the transport sectors in both Quang Nam and Da Nang after a four-year hiatus of these adjacent bus routes.

Accordingly, one interprovincial bus route runs from Da Nang’s Southern Bus Station to Tam Ky, Quang Nam Province. The specific route follows Southern Bus Station (Da Nang) - National Highway 1A - Old National Highway 1 (Nam Phuoc - Dien Phuong - Dien Minh - Vinh Dien) - National Highway 1A - Old Huong An Bridge - National Highway 1A - Tam Ky Passenger Bus Station - Phan Boi Chau Street - Phan Chu Trinh Street - 954 Phan Chu Trinh (Tam Ky Bridge - Quang Nam). The operating hours are from 04:45am to 05:30pm, with a bus frequency of every 15-25 minutes.

Another route runs from Da Nang (Viet Nam-Korea University) to Hoi An (Quang Nam Province). The route is Bus Stop at the Viet Nam-Korea University - DT607 Road - Nguyen Tat Thanh Street - Hoi An Bus Station - Ly Thuong Kiet Street -Tran Nhan Tong Street - Cua Dai Street -Au Co Street - Cua Dai Inland Waterway Parking Lot. The operating hours are from 05:45am to 6:00pm, with a frequency of every 15-30 minutes.

Compared to the past, Da Nang and Quang Nam are still lacking interprovincial bus routes such as Da Nang - Ai Nghia - Tam Ky, Da Nang - Phu Da, and Da Nang - Que Son.

Previously, in 2005, several interprovincial adjacent bus routes were introduced to connect Da Nang with Quang Nam Province, linking destinations such as Hoi An, Tam Ky, and Dai Loc. However, over time, the quality of the vehicles deteriorated, and service improvements were lacking.

According to the city's Department of Transport, most of the buses were outdated, with unstable and shaky boarding doors that were poorly secured; the doors often remained unlocked throughout the journey. Additionally, the seating was unhygienic and damaged, with torn or worn-out upholstery, and the flooring was dirty with an unpleasant odour. The buses lacked air conditioning, making journeys unbearably hot in summer, and they were devoid of essential safety features for passengers.

Within the city, buses frequently picked up and dropped off passengers arbitrarily, ignoring designated bus stops. Furthermore, buses often honked excessively, encroached on other lanes, and overtook recklessly. Drivers were frequently seen using mobile phones while driving. Alarmingly, many transport businesses, particularly cooperatives, left bus owners and drivers to manage finances independently, leading to conflicts and competition for passengers. This created a negative image and compromised road safety and social order.

The development of urban bus routes over time has demonstrated their essential role. Therefore, on April 26, 2024, the city reinstated two bus routes: Da Nang - Tam Ky and Da Nang - Hoi An.

Mr Le Phi Tho from Ngu Hanh Son District expressed his support, noting that many people in Quang Nam have children studying, living, or working in Da Nang, while many Da Nang residents have parents and relatives in Quang Nam. As a result, the operation of these bus routes is crucial in meeting the travel demands of residents in both provinces.

Mr Ho Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Director of the Da Nang Traffic Signal and Public Transport Operation Centre, believes that these bus routes will encourage greater public transport use among residents. This, in turn, will help reduce the prevalence of illegal bus operations, alleviate traffic congestion, cut down pollution, and promote sustainable urban transport development for both localities.

Mr Bui Hong Trung, Director of the Da Nang Department of Transport, stated that expanding bus routes in Da Nang, especially adjacent routes to neighbouring provinces, will facilitate easier public access to transportation services. Additionally, it will help reduce the number of motorbike users on the roads, enhance traffic safety, and align with the planned transport network.

In 2024, the city’s transport sector mobilised social resources to invest in the development of public bus transport. Notably, eight non-subsidised bus routes were launched, including six intra-city routes and two interprovincial routes between Da Nang - Hoi An and Da Nang - Tam Ky. This increased the total number of non-subsidised bus routes in operation to nine out of fourteen.

Looking ahead, the municipal Department of Transport will continue to promote public awareness and create optimal conditions for residents to access bus services as the network expands. Plans include introducing dedicated routes to schools and businesses, enhancing connectivity, and setting up parking areas at transit points to facilitate bus access. Additionally, information on bus routes, stop locations, and schedules will be improved, while fare subsidies will continue for disadvantaged groups, low-income individuals, and remote areas of Hoa Vang District, as well as for adjacent interprovincial routes.

Reporting by PHUONG UYEN - Translating by TRUC VY, V.DUNG