Vientiane Launches Flat-Fare Bus Services Amid Fuel Crisis

This Week

Vientiane authorities have announced a temporary expansion of discounted public bus services to ease the impact of the ongoing fuel shortage, offering commuters a more affordable and reliable alternative to private vehicles.

From 23 March to 30 May, the Vientiane City Bus Service will operate a special flat fare of LAK 10,000 (USD 0.46) per trip, deploying air-conditioned electric buses across key routes in the capital.

The initiative aligns with government efforts to reduce fuel consumption and support residents facing rising transportation costs amid the crisis.

Vientiane expands discounted bus services and routes to help commuters amid the ongoing fuel shortage. Note: update 23 March 2026

From 23 March, three routes will operate under the scheme. 

The first connects Sikeut–Sikhai–Talat Sao (Morning Market), with buses departing every 30 minutes. The second runs between Thangon and Saphangmeuk BRT Station, also at 30-minute intervals. The third covers Nonghai Roundabout–ITEC–Phonkheng BRT Station, with buses running every hour.

Two additional routes will be added from 25 March: Laos-China Railway Station–Saphangmeuk BRT Station, and a route running from the T-intersection near Lao Brewery Company through Dongkhangxang, That Luang, and Patuxay to Talat Sao.

The two-month free trial of the BRT line between Talat Sao and Dongdok, which has been running since 10 March, will continue free of charge as part of an earlier policy promoting public transport use.

Govt response to fuel crisis

Meanwhile, the bus initiative is part of a wider government response to the crisis. On 20 March, the Ministry of Education and Sports reduced university and college schedules to three days a week to curb fuel consumption, and urged students to cycle or use public transport.

That same day, following ministerial talks in Hanoi, Vietnam agreed to supply 50 million litres of fuel to Laos to help ease the shortage.

Officials say the measures collectively aim to reduce reliance on private vehicles, lower fuel demand, and provide a cleaner, safer commuting option during the ongoing crisis.

Latest article