The ho chi minh city people's committee approved a one-year extension, allowing the ferry terminal to resume operations. An operating unit representative stated that upon resuming service, ferries will run daily from 5h to 19h, with departures every 15 minutes. Fares are 3,000 VND for pedestrians, 4,000 VND for bicycles, and 5,000 VND for motorbikes. The terminal currently operates ferries with a maximum capacity of 59 people and 30 motorbikes, or 45 people and 45 motorbikes; it does not transport cars.

Binh Quoi ferry welcomes passengers on the morning of 13/12. Photo: Giang Anh

The binh quoi ferry connects binh quoi road on thanh da peninsula, binh quoi ward (formerly binh thanh district), across the saigon river to kha van can road, thu duc ward (formerly thu duc city). This route is a vital thoroughfare at the northeastern gateway to and from central ho chi minh city, easing congestion on binh trieu bridge, national highway 13, pham van dong avenue, and the dinh bo linh and xo viet nghe tinh routes.

In july 2024, the binh quoi ferry service was suspended due to complications related to legal procedures and the leasing of land and water surface in the area. Following the halt, residents had to detour via binh trieu bridge or other routes, significantly increasing their travel distance.

Passengers from thu duc cross by ferry into central ho chi minh city, on the morning of 13/12. Photo: Giang Anh

In november this year, the ho chi minh city people's committee agreed to extend the terminal's operation for 12 months. This aims to facilitate resident travel and alleviate congestion in the binh trieu area. In the long term, the city has instructed local authorities and relevant departments to review planning, land use, and construction regulations. This will guide the operating company in completing necessary procedures and ensuring the ferry terminal operates in compliance with regulations.

Beyond binh quoi, ho chi minh city operates numerous other ferry terminals across rivers and canals, serving as crucial transport links while bridges are yet to be built. Some of these terminals, such as cat lai and binh khanh, handle tens of thousands of passengers daily due to their high traffic volumes. The city also operates the can gio - vung tau sea ferry route.

Giang Anh