Authorities in Pakse have introduced a temporary free public bus service to help residents cope with ongoing fuel shortages and rising fuel prices affecting daily travel across southern Laos.
According to the Champasak Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, the service will begin on 17 March, allowing both government officials and the general public to use state-managed buses free of charge.
The move comes as fuel stations across the province and other parts of the country have faced supply shortages in recent weeks, with some stations temporarily closing or running out of fuel.
Routes Introduced Across City
To ease transport challenges, authorities have organized several bus routes within Pakse and to nearby districts. The program will remain in place until fuel supply stabilizes and prices return to normal levels.
Within Pakse, two main routes will operate using three buses. One route connects Kilometer 7 North to Kilometer 8 South along Road 13 South, running from 06:00 am to 8:30 pm. Each round trip takes about two hours, with approximately seven trips per day.
Stops along this route include the provincial stadium, Sabaidee Market, Pakse Teachers Training College, and Pakse International Airport.
A second route runs between Tha Salakham and Dao Hueng Market during the same hours. Key stops include Sanamdaeng, Wat Phabat, Phonexay Secondary School, Champasak College of Health Science, and the Pakse city pillar shrine.
Expanding Access
Authorities have also introduced two additional routes linking Pakse with nearby districts. One connects Dao Hueng Market and Lak 14 Market, while another runs between Dao Hueng Market and the Sanasomboon District administration office.
These routes will help residents from surrounding areas travel to Pakse for work, school, and essential services.
Officials say the free service also intended to encourage the use of public transportation, helping reduce fuel consumption during the shortage.
Route maps, schedules, and stop locations will be shared through local media and displayed at bus stations and designated stops across the city.
Authorities are encouraging residents to use the service while efforts continue to stabilize fuel supply and maintain daily transportation.
