Directive No. 16/2000/CT-BGTVT on organizing transportation services for the Tet holiday of Year of the Golden Rat (2000)

DIRECTIVE

Regarding the organization of transportation services for the Year of the Golden Rat (2000) Tet holiday

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This year's Tet holiday has more days off than in previous years. Therefore, there is a possibility that the volume of passenger travel during the Tet period will increase compared to previous Tets. The demand for travel during the traditional Tet holiday of the people is an urgent requirement, while the number of new vehicles is still limited, with many vehicles having been in use for a long time. On the other hand, traffic infrastructure projects, especially in the Central region, which have been affected by storms and floods, have not yet had the opportunity to reach the necessary standards. To ensure safe and convenient travel for the people as well as to implement Directive No. 33/1999/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister on strengthening state management responsibilities in ensuring traffic order and safety, the Minister of Transport instructs the Heads of the Roadway Administration, the Waterway Administration, the Maritime Administration, the Vehicle Inspection Administration, the Quality Control and Infrastructure Management Administration, the General Director of the Vietnam Railway Corporation, the Directors of Provincial Departments of Transportation and Communications, and the General Directors of State-owned Enterprises under the Ministry of Transport within their respective areas of responsibility to implement the following tasks effectively:

1/ Based on forecasts and understanding the actual travel needs of the people in their local areas, prepare plans to ensure the availability of sufficient vehicles meeting safety technical standards as well as necessary equipment and supplies to meet the timely transport needs of goods and passengers, particularly during the days leading up to Tet. Absolutely prevent situations where passengers have to stay at bus stations, train stations, or ports before the New Year's Eve.

2/ Conduct inspections and clear encroachments on the entire transportation system and traffic safety protection zones of roads, railways, waterways, ports, bus stations, and warehouses. When discovering incidents causing traffic safety hazards and disruptions to passenger and cargo transport, take immediate measures to address and repair them. Pay special attention to the safety quality of newly restored transportation infrastructure after the recent rainy season, as well as enhance inspection measures and preventive measures against accidents in mountainous areas, remote regions, etc. For weak bridges, conduct timely inspections and repairs to prevent unexpected incidents.

Supplement traffic signs according to regulations on high-density transportation routes, especially those recently completed, upgraded, or newly constructed, and inland waterways with high-speed vessel operations.

3/ Focus on organizing and ensuring traffic safety at locations and areas prone to traffic accidents on road and inland waterway routes; develop specific technical solutions to prevent, mitigate, and promptly resolve traffic congestion, especially at major city intersections, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, due to the higher risk of congestion during the Tet holiday compared to regular days.

4/ Strengthen and strictly inspect vehicle safety technical inspections. Prohibit vehicles that do not meet safety technical standards from participating in traffic. Severely handle drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of stimulants or alcohol exceeding prescribed limits. Promptly address violations related to passenger pick-up.

5/ Organize good service for passengers at ports, bus stations, railway stations, and ferry terminals. Concentrate on repairing and beautifying these places to ensure safety and comfort for passengers while waiting for trains or buses; organize a good network of ticket sales services for passengers such as opening ticket agencies, selling tickets via telephone, and round-trip tickets. Enhance coordination with relevant forces to effectively carry out security and public order work at ports, bus stations, ferry terminals, and railway stations.

In particular, the inland waterway sector must pay special attention to safety at passenger ports, long-distance ferries, and short-distance ferries.

6/ Without permission from the State, absolutely do not increase passenger and cargo transportation fares during the Tet holiday. For both ends of a transportation route, there must be uniform fare agreements and they must be publicly displayed at ticket sales locations.

7/ Disseminate this directive and educate staff to improve their service spirit towards passengers. Timely recognize and reward individuals and groups with commendable civilized and courteous attitudes praised by passengers. At the same time, strictly handle individuals and groups violating relevant laws and requirements of this directive.

8/ The Ministry of Transport requests the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, the National Traffic Safety Committee, and related sectors within their respective authorities and responsibilities to closely cooperate with the Ministry of Transport to ensure safe and pleasant travel for passengers and the people during the Tet holiday.

The Heads of the Roadway Administration, the General Director of the Vietnam Railway Corporation, the Directors of Provincial Departments of Transportation and Communications, the General Directors of State-owned Enterprises, and heads of related units are requested to urgently implement and organize the execution of this directive. Any difficulties encountered during implementation should be reported promptly to the Ministry of Transport for consideration and resolution.