First electric bus route operated in Con Dao Island
The electric buses with zero greenhouse gas emissions contribute to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and green transition efforts in the island, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and unspoiled destinations.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam's southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City on December 25 launched the first public electric bus route in its Con Dao Special Economic Zone, marking an important step towards building an environmentally friendly public transport system for the famous island destination.
The Public Transport Management Center, under the city’s Department of Construction, stated that electric bus route No. 173 operates through 39 pick-up and drop-off stations, linking locations with high travel demand, including Con Dao Airport and Con Dao Market.
The well-equipped 40-seat electric buses route No.173 put into operation on December 25. Photo: Baoangiang.com.vn
The route has a total length of 17 kilometers, with a full journey time of around 30 minutes per trip. A total of 114 trips will operate daily between 5 AM and 7 PM, offering a convenient and cost-effective transportation option for commuters and visitors arriving on the island. Fares are charged by distance, ranging from VND5,000 to 40,000 (US$0.2 to US$1.7).
The electric buses are designed with colors and symbols inspired by Con Dao’s natural characteristics. Blue symbolizes the surrounding sea, green represents forest ecosystems, yellow means sunlight and vitality and a dolphin highlights friendliness and punctuality. These are core values of public transport services.
In the coming time, the center will launch five more bus routes, numbered 174 to 178. The public transport network is expected to cover over 90% of key locations across the economic zone.
Con Dao’s bus network will feature six routes, spanning about 74 kilometers. They are expected to cover about 90% of the special zone’s road network. The city will launch electric buses with capacities ranging from 28 to 60 seats each, especially those linking the island's central area and Con Dao Airport at a distance of about 17 kilometers.
The launch of the electric bus is part of Ho Chi Minh City’s efforts in implementing the national green energy transition program and reflects the city’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
Con Dao, located about 230 kilometers off Ho Chi Minh City, is named "the most mysterious island on earth" by Lonely Planet and Travel + Leisure. It includes 16 mountainous islands and islets, with a total land area of 75 square kilometers and a local population of 5,000.
Famous for its pristine beaches, coral reefs and lush forests protected by Con Dao National Park, the island is also a site of national remembrance, home to the historic Con Dao Prison and Hang Duong Cemetery, where national heroine Vo Thi Sau rests.
With eco-friendly resorts and turtle conservation programs, Con Dao has become a symbol of Vietnam’s blend of natural beauty, history and sustainable tourism.
