Hanoi launches first bus route linking city center to Minh Chau island commune
Hanoi expands public transport with first bus route to its island commune Minh Chau, marking a breakthrough in public transport accessibility for residents living along the Red River.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi inaugurated its first bus route linking the city center to Minh Chau, the capital’s only island commune, on October 14, roughly 60 kilometers west of the city.
The bus route, coded 20ATC, starts from Nhon Bus Station and ends in Minh Chau Commune. It operates daily from 4:40 AM to 7:50 PM, with trips every 30 minutes to 50 minutes.
Hanoi has launched a new bus route connecting the central areas to its island commune of Minh Chau, located about 60 kilometers to the west. Photo: Transerco
The service results from cooperation between the Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco) and relevant city departments to expand the capital’s public bus network.
According to Dinh Tuan Anh, Vice Chairman of the commune People’s Committee, Minh Chau lies in the middle of the Red River, where the Red, Da and Lo rivers meet. The commune has long struggled with transportation challenges.
Residents relied on ferries to reach Quang Oai Commune or crossed a spillway to Vinh Phu Commune in Phu Tho Province, he said.
“Surrounded by water, transportation has remained difficult for the people and limited local socio-economic development, education and cultural exchange,” he added.
“Hundreds of people have struggled to commute daily for work, study and medical treatment. We need a safe and stable public transport route,” he said.
The launch of the new bus route marks a milestone, improving access to trade, tourism, education and daily travel for local people, the vice chairman said.
Transerco General Director Nguyen Thanh Nam said that the operation of route 20ATC reduces pressure on road traffic and opens opportunities for local trade, services, education and tourism.
He added that the new service expands Transerco’s coverage, bringing the city’s buses to more distant and less accessible communities.
From January to September 2025, Transerco maintained stable operations, running over 2.4 million trips, equivalent to 96% of the plan and serving about 162 million passengers.
The company now operates 44 contracted bus routes, has adjusted timetables on 22 routes and optimized 14 others.
During the same period, Transerco deployed 63 electric buses and installed 247 charging poles at 14 locations to support Hanoi’s green transport goals.
The corporation also provided nearly 5,100 additional bus trips during the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the National Day to meet the transportation needs of residents and visitors.
In the last quarter of 2025, Transerco plans to continue upgrading its electronic ticketing system, apply new digital technologies to improve service quality and expand eco-friendly bus routes to more suburban areas.
