The BRT buses, using dedicated bus lanes, offer rail-like system services and thus provide a smooth public transportation service, which is expected to be unhampered by traffic congestion.
Hanoi's first BRT route runs over 14.77 km between Kim Ma and Yen Nghia, passing through one of the city's most populated corridors, namely one of the traffic jam hot spots.
Nguyen Thuy, director of Hanoi BRT Company, said passenger numbers for the rapid buses have increased since the system's operation. During the first day of operation, the system served more than 8,300 people. One week later, the daily number rocketed to 12,000 and until the end of January passengers can enjoy free travel on the BRT. The BRT's regular one-way tickets will ordinarily cost passengers 7,000 Vietnamese Dong (around 30 U.S. cents), the same as a normal bus fare.
Reaffirming the city's push for public transport to curb congestion, Nguyen The Hung, vice chairman of Hanoi People's Committee, said the largest bus operator Transerco will develop the second BRT route to connect Kim Ma, a downtown neighborhood, with the suburban area of Hoa Lac.
Hung added that lessons will be learned from the operation of the first route, although provided no specifics.
According to the Hanoi Transport Department, by 2050, the city will launch seven more BRT routes to serve passengers in twine with the further development of urban railway systems.