VIENTIANE, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will launch a three-month trial in Lao capital Vientiane, with plans to extend routes to Wattay International Airport and the China-Laos Railway station, aiming to improve public transport and reduce traffic congestion.
Construction of bus lanes and BRT stations under the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project has completed 71.64 percent, the local news website Lao Phattana News reported on Tuesday.
Local authorities are preparing for the trial run, scheduled to begin at the end of August, with 90 percent of infrastructure expected to be completed by late July and full operations targeted for early 2026.
The 55 new buses that will be put into service will operate daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will integrate seamlessly with the city's existing bus network. There will be 27 stops, including six key stations located in busy areas.
Buses and stations will display real-time arrival information, and passengers can pay by smartcards available at BRT stations, the Friendship Bridge, Wattay International Airport, the China-Laos Railway station, and select convenience stores.
The Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project comprises five main activities involving public transport systems, parking management and enforcement, and traffic management systems. ■
