What do you think about the use of electric buses?

The Vientiane State Bus Enterprise is testing the use of four electric buses, with passengers offered free rides from March 23 to April 13. If the trial is successful, more bus routes will be added. When charges are introduced, tickets will range in price from 5,000 kip to 8,000 kip depending on the distance travelled. Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their opinions on the new scheme.

Mr Ped, a government official in Xaysettha district, Vientiane: I think it’s good that the government is showing an interest in environmental protection. During times of economic hardship and the rising price of petrol such as we are experiencing today, it makes sense to travel by bus. I think the use of electric buses will be a useful addition to existing public transport services and will help to lower the high accident rate by reducing the number of private vehicles and motorbikes that currently cause congestion on our streets.

Mr Somchan, a government official in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: It will be good to have electric buses because they support the city’s green ambitions, reduce pollution, and save on fuel costs, while being an overall improvement to public transport. I think more people should use buses instead of their own vehicles, as this would ease traffic congestion and reduce pollution. But it’s important that buses are safe and run on time, so that they satisfy passengers’ needs.    

Ms Phonmany Savanh, a resident of Vientiane: The use of electrically
powered vehicles reduces the amount of oil that must be imported. This is an important consideration at present because the rising cost of fuel is adding to the government’s debt woes and they must rein in expenditure. It would help if we could import fewer fuel-inefficient cars and encourage the use of electric vehicles. Another benefit of electric vehicles is that the amount of pollution is reduced, which is another issue that needs to be addressed.

Mr Phonekham Sipaserth, a government official in Vientiane province: I think the use of electric buses is a good thing. It’s also interesting to note that Laos has the potential to produce electricity from water, solar power and wind, as well as from waste. Electric buses certainly have benefits for bus operators, such as savings in fuel costs and reduced gas emissions. As we know, global warming is a cause of climate change, which is having impacts all across the world. We should play our part by using buses more, as this would help to protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We should encourage the use of renewable energy sources that are less likely to contribute to the carbon footprint.
Ms Lord Vongpackdy, an employee in Xaythany district, Vientiane:I’m glad that there will be electric buses. It’s important that we consider ways to protect the environment and I think travelling by bus is good for our health. It’s less stressful than commuting by car. Taking the bus frees your hands and your head, allowing you to think about the decisions you have to make or play games on your mobile phone. And walking to a bus stop means you get some exercise. Travel by bus is the best way during times of high fuel prices and increasing congestion on roads. But if the government is serious about encouraging more people to use buses, roads need to be improved, while it’s essential that buses stick to timetables and are safe. 

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update April 7, 2022)