On 24/6, the Binh Dinh People's Committee approved a proposal by Airports Corporation of Vietnam Investment and Services JSC (ASV) to launch a public electric bus route connecting Phu Cat airport and downtown Quy Nhon.

VinBus's first electric bus line in Hanoi, 2021. Photo: Doan Dung

VinBus's first electric bus line in Hanoi, 2021. Photo: Doan Dung

The planned 35 km route will start at Phu Cat airport, traversing Highway 19B, Go Gang intersection, Highway 1, Phu Tai intersection, Highway 1D, Tay Son street, An Duong Vuong street, Nguyen Tat Thanh street, Truong Chinh street, and terminating opposite the south gate of the Binh Dinh Provincial Conference Center in Quy Nhon city. The bus will then return along the same route in the opposite direction.

The route will have 24 stops and operate 36 trips daily, using approximately seven 40- to 60-seat electric buses. ASV will fully invest in the vehicles, terminals, bus shelters, and charging stations. Some stops will be shared with existing routes T4 and T9, while others will be newly built along the route. The charging station and bus depot are planned to be located at Quy Nhon central bus station.

According to the Department of Construction, no public bus transportation currently operates on this route. Travel primarily relies on taxis and private car hires, which are expensive. Meanwhile, approximately 14 flights arrive and depart from Binh Dinh daily, with 3,500 to 4,000 passengers passing through Phu Cat airport.

The electric bus route is expected to diversify transportation options, reduce travel costs for passengers, and limit environmental pollution. This initiative also supports the green energy transition goals outlined by the government, the Ministry of Construction, and the Binh Dinh People's Committee.

Regarding legal procedures, since the route originates within the airport, approval from the Ministry of Transport (now under the Ministry of Construction) is required. In 2019, the Ministry of Transport approved the Binh Dinh People's Committee's proposal for a route connecting Phu Cat airport and Quy Nhon city.

The Binh Dinh People's Committee has assigned the Department of Construction to guide ASV in finalizing the operational plan, announcing the route launch, and managing transportation according to regulations. Relevant departments, agencies, and units are requested to cooperate in providing infrastructure support, organizing traffic flow, and arranging passenger pick-up and drop-off locations at the airport.

ASV is currently leasing electric vehicles from Green and Smart Mobility JSC (GSM), a subsidiary of Vinfast, for taxi services at major airports nationwide.

Last year, Binh Dinh province and Vingroup signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement focusing on promoting green transition, particularly developing a green transportation ecosystem using electric vehicles.

Pham Linh