Chairman advises on efficient public transport

The Transportation Committee has been discussing ways to reduce traffic congestion during the opening and closing ceremonies of the SEA Games.

The meeting took place in Vientiane yesterday, chaired by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and SEA Games Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad.

During the proceedings, Mr Somsavat gave advice on the provision of efficient public transport to reduce traffic delays during the ceremonies.

“The Transportation Committee should check if there are enough buses for the public during the opening and closing ceremonies to make sure order is maintained during these events,” he said.

Mr Somsavat said the Olympic Games was a much bigger event but committees could learn from his experience and have delegations wait at the same place to be picked up and driven to the stadium.

He shared his experience with various committees at the National Sports Centre yesterday to make sure they would have enough transportation available.

“I believe everything will be in order if we supply enough buses and tell ticket buyers which number to take, and where to board the bus. Then the bus can take them to the National Stadium and wait until the ceremony ends and take them back to the right place,” Mr Somsavat said.

SEA Games transportation representative Mr Chanxay Vinavong told the meeting there wouldn't be enough buses if they took people to the ceremony and then waited until the ceremony ended.

“We have more than 80 buses so it would be possible to do it that way, but it would be better if they followed a circular route between each of the pick up points,” he said.

The Transportation Committee has identified five pick up points to take people to the stadium. These include Thadeua port, the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge , Taladxao, the NUOL Dongdok campus and the National Stadium.

“People can take buses from these points to the stadium, which might be more convenient and reduce traffic congestion,” he said.

Mr Somsavat asked both the Transportation Committee and the Vientiane Mayor to discuss his ideas and to organise it the way he suggested if they had enough buses.

If they did not have enough buses, he said, the involved sectors should find the best ways to make transportation run smoothly at both the opening and closing ceremonies.

“After the discussion there will be a report to the committee to get an agreement together before beginning the work. This should be completed soon,” he said.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
(Latest Update Novembe 27, 2009)