The Southern Bus Station is ready to accommodate an increase in travelers during the Lao New Year holiday from 14-16 April.
Souksavath Sisouk, the station manager for the Southern Bus Station in Vientiane spoke to Vientiane Times on Tuesday, saying that the station is ready to assist people traveling down to Southern Laos to visit their hometown or for leisure purposes.
“It’s a bit strange to see the station running smoothly”, he said, pointing out the fact that most years, apart from when Laos was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the station was always overcrowded during this time. “It may be because people started going home last week,” he continued.
“It is also good for us [the management team] that we do not have to worry about a crowded environment. Of course, we are ready to provide additional buses when needed, especially for people traveling to Khammouane, Savannakhet, and Champasack,” he added.
As per the most recent updated bus fares, the prices range from KIP 80,000 (USD 4.65) for the Vientiane-Paksan route in Bolikhamxay Province, to KIP 400,000 (USD 23.24) for the Vientiane-Attapeu route, although it is the VIP bus.
Souksavath said that the bus fairs have increased slightly, but the station still is not making much profit due to high fuel costs. This has caused some bus drivers to leave their jobs for other opportunities, while others are still working even though profits are very marginal.
He added, “Our priority is to focus on road safety, for which we collaborate with the Vientiane Traffic Department to raise awareness among drivers in various service operators to be self-conscious while they are on duty to ensure a safe journey.”
Although some people are not traveling during the new year, the Prime Minister’s office has still declared 17 and 18 April as public holidays to compensate for the Lao New Year celebrations that happen to fall during the weekend.
