Extra buses for Pi Mai Lao

Bus companies will provide extra transport to facilitate travel to both the northern and southern provinces during Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) from April 13-15.

Chitprasong Transportation Company Director Ms Chitprasong Nhotninhom said Pi Mai Lao is a peak travel season, even compared to International New Year, and ticket prices would remain the same as usual for regular buses, which require advance bookings.

“Officials confirmed at a press conference held yesterday that travel will be absolutely safe along the northern route during Pi Mai Lao,” Vientiane Transportation Association Vice President Thongphanh Phommasith said.

Last year fewer people used the northern route because of rumoured security issues, but officials say this year people should be comfortable about travelling north by road.

Regarding the quality of public transport, Ms Chitprasong says her company's service is more reliable than in previous years because the company has imported several buses including 16 European Skandia buses.

To ensure passengers' safety and prevent driver fatigue, two drivers are provided on routes taking longer than eight hours.

“Last year, we didn't have any serious accidents,” Ms Chitprasong said.

Extra buses will be operating on the northern route during Pi Mai Lao, but the company is currently in discussions with the government about slightly increasing ticket prices on these buses.

This is due to insufficient passenger numbers on return trips, combined with rising oil prices.

The company has scheduled about 24 trips per day on the northern routes, including 10 trips to Luang Prabang province, five to Xieng Khuang and four to Oudomxay.

Extra buses are on standby, depending on demand, and overloading will not be allowed.

Long Distance Transportation Association technical staff member Khamsaen Thammavong said 15 extra trips per day were scheduled for southern routes, in addition to the normal 38 daily trips.

The extra services will operate from April 10-13.

He said officials were preparing well by conducting vehicle maintenance to provide an efficient service.

“Last year, we experienced such crowded buses that we had to ask the northern route to help in providing more,” he said.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
(Latest Update April 4, 2008)