New rule for tourist buses in disarray

A new measure supposed to regulate tourist coaches is already falling into disarray. According to a joint circular by the culture, sport and tourism, and transport ministries issued on March 12, tourist coaches are required to carry special badges in an attempt to keep the coaches on a fixed route and schedule.
Deputy Director of the Ha Noi Department of Transport Nguyen Hoang Linh said although agencies have been aware of the situation, they have failed to control noncompliant coaches.
"It was hard to track the activities of such coaches due to their high mobility. They changed their schedules and routes frequently due to the requirements of tourist contracts," he said.
Despite attempts to combat the problem, Nguyen Manh Cuong, head of the Road Traffic Inspectorate Unit, said new violations have emerged. Unlicensed coach drivers, occasionally hired temporarily by tour operators, have continued to use their badges to sell tickets after the contracts expire.
By disguising as tourist coaches, unlicensed drivers avoid paying parking fees.
Vietnam News Agency correspondents have observed that when buses stop at fake bus stations, including those in front of No 340-342 Tran Khat Chan Street, Vo Thi Sau Street and Tran Dai Nghia Street, they cause traffic jams.
At least 80 tourist coaches, each with a maximum of 24 seats, collect passengers at the stations on Yen Phu, Cua Dong and Nguyen Truong To streets every 30 minutes.