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Nov 22, 2017 / 21:15

Hanoi plans to officially launch a double-decker bus tour from 2018

Hanoi plans to officially launch a double-decker bus tour in the capital city from June 2018.

A double-decker bus.
A double-decker bus.
This was revealed in the latest plan submitted to the municipal People’s Committee by the Hanoi Transport Service Company (Transerco). A double-decker sightseeing bus embarked on a trial operation in the capital city on 2017 June 30, to collect public feedback before starting official service. The first double-decker bus was run pass famous attractions such as the Hanoi Opera House, Thang Long Citadel, Tran Quoc Temple, the Old Quarter and the Temple of Literature.
According to Transerco, it would take time for the company to arrange enough vehicles for the operation of the bus tour, the first of its kind for tourists in the capital city.
The company had worked with the bus supplier but said it would take at least six months for the manufacturer to design, test, produce and register the vehicles, following the new emission standards stipulated by the Government from January 2018.
Under the initial plan submitted to the municipal People’s Committee by the Hanoi’s Department of Transport earlier this year, the bus will operate twice a day. Departing from Hanoi Opera House, it will go through 19 streets in Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts. On weekends, the bus will depart from the Opera House but avoid certain streets around the walking areas of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Last December, the Prime Minister had agreed in principle to pilot double-decker bus tours within five years in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and five other areas. The bus, painted a cheerful red, costs between VND7 - 9 billion (US$311,000 - 400,000). It has 14 seats on the lower level and over 30 on the top. It is equipped with Wi-Fi and is disabled friendly.