Two more river bus routes proposed for HCMC

1 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Nov 10, 20218:50 AM

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Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7 has proposed to municipal authorities that two new river bus routes be established to connect it with downtown District 1.

A private company will invest and operate the two routes on Saigon River for five years, with a total price tag of nearly VND260 billion ($11.5 million), District 7 authorities proposed.

The No. 3 route will run 13 kilometers from Bach Dang Wharf to Mui Den Do with a total time of 56 minutes. There will be 11 stations. A boat will have 50 seats.

The No. 4 route will run over 13 kilometers from Bach Dang Wharf to the Phu My Hung urban area. A boat will have 40 seats.

Authorities of District 7 said both routes would help take advantage of the waterways as the city strives to recover its economy following the fourth Covid-19 wave, the proposal read.

HCMC is operating the No. 1 route from District 1 to Thu Duc City. The No. 2 route from downtown to District 8 is pending operation.

River buses are part of the city’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion.

With 110 rivers and canals covering 1,000 kilometers, the city needs over VND21 trillion to develop this network in the next 30 years, according to its Department of Transport.

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What this means

Ho Chi Minh City's proposed river bus expansion, using private investment for two new routes, marks a shrewd move to alleviate urban congestion and capitalise on existing waterways. Unlike Panpuri's ambitious 16-store Asian expansion or Tiffany & Co.'s singular café opening in Singapore, this infrastructure play directly addresses a systemic city-wide challenge. It will likely pressure existing terrestrial transport providers and could stimulate commercial activity along the 11 new stations. The risk lies in securing the full VND260 billion private investment and ensuring ridership justifies the cost. This initiative positions HCMC as a leader in innovative urban transport solutions. We await confirmation of the private company operating the routes and their service launch dates.

Wei Zhang

Questions & Answers

What is the proposed investment for the two new river bus routes in Ho Chi Minh City?

District 7 authorities proposed a private company invest and operate the routes. The total price tag for the two routes is estimated to be nearly VND260 billion, which is equivalent to $11.5 million.

How long will the proposed No. 3 river bus route take to complete?

The proposed No. 3 route will run 13 kilometres from Bach Dang Wharf to Mui Den Do. This journey is estimated to take a total time of 56 minutes to complete.

What are the capacity differences between the proposed No. 3 and No. 4 river bus routes?

The No. 3 route is designed to accommodate 50 seats per boat. In contrast, the No. 4 route will operate with boats that have a capacity of 40 seats each.

How do authorities expect the new river bus routes to benefit Ho Chi Minh City?

District 7 authorities believe both routes will utilise the city's waterways to help the economy recover after the fourth Covid-19 wave. They are also part of wider efforts to reduce traffic congestion.

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